Logo

 

Banner Image:   Baptist-Times-banner-2000x370-
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet

Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering 

Religious liberty, Baptist-Catholic dialogue and Baptist responses to the growing refugee crisis were among the topics discussed at the recent Annual Gathering of the Baptist World Alliance

Neville CallamMore than 300 people from 50 countries met at the gathering in Vancouver, which saw the BWA pass three resolutions.
 
One called on the United Nations to raise the designated threat level for Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region to Level 3, the most severe large scale humanitarian crisis. Extremists in Nigeria, mainly the violent Islamist group, Boko Haram, and Fulani militants, have led a series of attacks in Nigeria and neighboring countries such as Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

The BWA noted that "people of faith and houses of worship have been intentionally targeted, including the damage or destruction of thousands of churches and numerous mosques."

Samson Ayokunle, president of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, has castigated the international community for ignoring terrorist violence and attacks in the West African country.
 
Another resolution urged Baptists in affected countries to assist those who are displaced. Baptist groups in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, as well as in European countries such as Germany, Sweden, Croatia, Serbia and elsewhere, have provided personnel and supplies to assist those who are displaced.

However, in a statement the BWA said it was “concerned about those who have not been as engaged, or who have been less than welcoming in their remarks and actions”.
 
The BWA is encouraging "Christian believers to personally engage with all refugees and displaced persons, generously showing God's love and care as we demonstrate the sufficiency of God made known through Jesus Christ."
 
The gathering also saw the announcement of a third round of Baptist-Catholic dialogue. The first round occurred from 1984-1988 and the second round from 2006-2010. In May this year, preparatory meetings were held between Baptist representatives Frank Rees of Australia, Paul Fiddes from the United Kingdom and Timothy George of the United States and a team from the Catholic Church to consider the focus and methodology for the next phase.
 
General Secretary the Revd Dr Neville Callam stated, ‘This joint preparatory meeting decided that the next phase of dialogue, which could commence in June 2017, should have clear continuity with the first two phases and should focus on the subject of common witness to Jesus Chris.’

Picture: BWA general secretary Neville Callam offers his annual report during the BWA's 2016 annual gathering in Vancouver. Photo by Brian Kaylor / Ethics Daily Pinterest 
 

For more reports of the Annual Gathering, visit:
Ethics Daily
Baptist News Global
The Baptist World Alliance

 

Baptist Times, 13/07/2016
    Post     Tweet
Baptist pastor who stood against Nazi ideology honoured
A plaque commemorating Arnold Köster, one of the 'sharpest public, continuous critics of the Nazis in the Greater German Reich', has been unveiled as part of an Austrian church’s 100 years celebration
Did you write a letter to Peru in 1993? Juan wants to say thank you! 
More than 30 years ago Tearfund asked its supporters to act in support of a Christian falsely arrested in Peru. Now he’s coming to the UK to say thank you. Stephen Rand explains more
'We cannot walk in your shoes, but we can do as Jesus did and wash your feet' 
Joshua T. Searle reports on the February 2024 Dnipro Hope Mission Trip to Ukraine
‘Spreading hope and love amid the darkness’ 
Baptist organisations in Palestine and Israel are continuing to support people amid the ‘heart-wrenching reality’ of the war in Gaza
'Incredibly challenging - but tangibly showing Christ's love'
Baptists at the heart of the Israel-Hamas war have been sharing their anguish and grief at the situation unfolding before them, how they are helping support those affected
A British Baptist with a calling to Germany 
Joshua Searle appointed Professor of Mission Studies at the German Theological University
     Latest News 
    Posted: 11/10/2022
    Posted: 01/10/2021
    Posted: 08/05/2020
    Posted: 06/05/2020
    Posted: 11/12/2019
    Posted: 28/11/2019
    Posted: 04/10/2019