2026 Global Council

Resolutions for Consideration

The Baptist World Alliance Resolutions Committee is charged with receiving, reviewing, and refining proposed resolutions that address matters of biblical conviction, Christian witness, and issues of significance to the global Baptist family. Through a collaborative process of theological reflection, careful editing, and discernment, the Committee seeks to ensure that each resolution faithfully reflects Scripture, expresses the shared voice of the worldwide Baptist community, and is presented with clarity and care. Having completed this work, the Committee respectfully recommends the following four resolutions for consideration and adoption by the BWA Global Council.

Committee Chair: Dawari George
Vice Chair: Stephen Stookey
Committee Members: Afolabi G. Agbèdè, Johnathan O. Hemmings, Brian Kaylor, Wissam Nasrallah, Jennifer Rash, Bijoy A. Sangma, Jerome Washington, Edison Yuniwo
Ex Officio Members: BWA General Secretary & CEO Elijah Brown, BWA Historian Lee Spitzer
BWA Staff Liaison: Merritt Johnston

Final Reading:

Thank you for the prayerful care and thoughtful discernment you have given to the four proposed Global Council Resolutions. We are grateful for the spirit in which you have engaged in this process and for the valuable feedback you have shared. After carefully reviewing the responses received, the Resolutions Committee has incorporated proposed revisions to Resolution 2026.1, Resolution 2026.2, and Resolution 2026.3. These additions are highlighted in yellow for ease of reference. Please click the button below to access the final reading of all four resolutions.

The final vote will take place today, Wednesday, July 8, during the Global Council Discernment Session beginning at 4:15 p.m. As we gather, may we continue to seek the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, listening well to one another and faithfully discerning God’s leading for our global Baptist family. Thank you for your faithful participation in this important work.

Second Reading:

The Resolutions Committee has reviewed all received feedback and has incorporated changes into the drafts for Resolution 2026.1 and Resolution 2026.2 that are available by clicking the boxes below. The additions are highlighted in yellow for ease of reference. The drafts for Resolutions 2026.3 and 2026.4 remain unchanged from the First Reading. After review, proposed revisions to the second reading drafts should be emailed to resolutions@baptistworld.org no later than 5:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Tuesday, July 7.

First Reading

Please review the videos below for a first reading of each resolution. Click the CC in the bottom right of the screen to view with subtitles. After review, proposed revisions to the first drafts should be emailed to resolutions@baptistworld.org by 8:00 am Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Monday, July 6.

RESOLUTION 2026.1 (Download PDF): People with disabilities and special needs are an indispensable part of the body of Christ, created in the image of God and uniquely gifted for ministry and service. As churches seek to embody Christ’s love through welcome, accessibility, and mutual care, this resolution calls the global Baptist family to renewed action, equipping congregations to become communities where every person is valued, empowered, and able to flourish. 
Drafters: Nabil Costa, Lee Spitzer

RESOLUTION 2026.2 (Download PDF): Children are among the most vulnerable members of our global community – facing poverty, displacement, violence, exploitation, and the loss of family at staggering levels. Rooted in Christ’s love for children and the biblical call to care for the orphan and the vulnerable, this resolution reaffirms the Baptist World Alliance’s longstanding commitment to protecting and serving children while encouraging churches to expand ministries that offer hope, compassion, and practical support to those most in need.
Drafters: Scott Collins, Lee Spitzer

RESOLUTION 2026.3 (Download PDF): The Baptist World Alliance has long affirmed that mission is at the heart of its global fellowship, expressed through faithful proclamation of the Gospel and holistic engagement with the world. This resolution seeks to name and strengthen guiding missional principles that reflect both biblical faithfulness and contemporary practice. It calls the BWA and its partners to embrace integral and polycentric mission as a shared framework for participation in God’s mission in the world.
Drafters: Global Baptist Mission Network (Scott Pilgrim, Everton Jackson)

RESOLUTION 2026.4 (Download PDF): The Baptist World Alliance has consistently affirmed that peace, justice, and human dignity are central to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who calls his followers to be peacemakers and ministers of reconciliation in a world marked by conflict and division. In continuity with this biblical witness and its historic commitments to human rights and just peacemaking, this resolution addresses the moral and spiritual responsibilities of nations and the global community in pursuing flourishing peace for all people.
Drafters: Oleksandr Geychenko, Myles Werntz