Resolutions

Compiled by Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer, BWA Historian

Welcome to the Baptist World Alliance Historical Archive!

We are pleased to share with you the entire set of Resolutions, Manifestos, Messages and Proclamations approved by delegates attending the Baptist World Alliance World Congresses from 1905 through 2015 (the 2020 Congress was postponed to 2021 due to the global pandemic).

Additionally, we are offering the Resolutions and Manifestos approved by the BWA General Council, which meets yearly. The online collection includes the years 1976-2019. The BWA Executive Committee Resolutions are currently being compiled, and a limited number are already accessible. The collection will be expanded over time.

Each Resolution document is in PDF format and seeks to reproduce the original text as closely as possible. This means that language and punctuation may be archaic and not in accordance with contemporary standards of discourse. Spellings of words sometimes are in British English and have been preserved as they were originally published. I am solely responsible for any typographical errors in reproduction, and I would deeply appreciate it if you would share with me any that you may discover.

It is the BWA’s hope that this collection will be useful to scholars, historians, denominational leaders, and clergy. Each document now contains a unique identification number, topical keywords, and four types of citations for academic purposes.

The range of issues covered by the collection is comprehensive, and many of the Resolutions speak to contemporary concerns (such as racism, antisemitism, poverty and war) with multi-cultural wisdom, spiritual integrity, and intellectual depth. Readers seeking to learn how Baptists on a global scale and across time have addressed the human condition in all of its variations (moral, social, economic, political, etc.) will be rewarded as well as challenged.

In Baptist polity, Resolutions and other collective statements are not binding on Baptist individuals or churches. They intend to share wisdom and raise consciousness rather than to demand or coerce conformity or hinder the soul freedom and responsibility of people to follow God according to the dictates of their own Christ-led conscience. In the foreword to the 1955 Golden Jubilee World Congress Official Report (p. 6), BWA General Secretary Arnold T. Ohrn stated this principle well:

Further, it should be understood that an Alliance Congress, when adopting pronouncements, can speak for itself alone. The resolutions naturally carry great moral authority, coming as they do from a Congress so representative of Baptists in the entire world. But no union or convention has ever authorized a Baptist World Congress to speak on its behalf. The people who voted for the resolutions, did so on their own behalf, not on behalf of their churches or conventions. But these statements would never have been proposed, much less adopted, if they were not considered indicative of the trends of opinion within the Baptist world.

If you should need any further assistance in utilizing this online historical archive, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer,
BWA Historian (Click here to contact)

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By Decade – All Resolutions

Dignity and Justice for Indigenous Peoples (2023.1)

BWA General Council Resolution 2022.3 The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Stavanger, Norway, July 2-5, 2023: ACKNOWLEDGES the Sámi people of the Sápmi region, some of which overlaps with themodern nation in which we gather. CELEBRATES the rich...

Restorative Racial Justice & Flourishing Freedom (2022.3)

BWA General Council Resolution 2022.3 The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, July 10-15, 2022: ACKNOWLEDGES that since our last in-person gathering, a season of racial hostilities globally demands a renewed commitment to the...

Myanmar (2022.2)

BWA General Council Resolution 2022.2 The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, July 10-15, 2022: NOTES on February 1, 2021, the democratically elected leaders in Myanmar were overthrown in a coup d’état by the military...

Ukraine (2022.1)

BWA General Council Resolution 2022.1 The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, July 10-15, 2022: RECALLS the words and examples of the Old Testament prophets concerned to speak the truth of the word of the Lord into situations...

Slavery Reparations (2022.4)

BWA General Council Resolution 2022.4 The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, July 10-15, 2022: ACKNOWLEDGES important local, national, and global conversations about chattel slavery, its enduring generational impacts, and the...

Resolution Opposing Violence and Abuse of Women and Girls

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, July 2-6:
AFFIRMS that women and girls are created in the image of God and invested with inestimable worth and dignity as gifts from God, and are essential to the health and vitality of families, churches, communities, and national life;

Resolution on Ministry to Refugees

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Vancouver, Canada, July 6-8, 2016:
ACKNOWLEDGES the profound challenges created in many parts of our world by the massive flow of refugees and displaced persons,

Resolution on Religious Liberty in the USA

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5-7, 2017:
AFFIRMS freedom of religion and belief as a core value borne out in Baptist history and opposes all forms of discrimination based on faith or religion;

Resolution on the Humanitarian Crisis in Venezuela

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5-7, 2017:
STATES its concerns at the climate of political and social instability and violence in Venezuela, which has led to deteriorating socio-economic conditions, including a shortage of food and medicines;

Resolution on Religious Freedom in Russia

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5-7, 2017:
REAFFIRMS our historic Baptist commitment to religious freedom as a gift of God to all people, regardless of denomination or religion; and that this same commitment is enshrined in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18, to which the Russian Federation is a signatory;

Situation in Ukraine

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:

NOTES with concern that, in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine generally, the situation has led to increased religious persecution, especially against evangelical Christians;

Appendix II: Baptist World Alliance Resolutions Paper

1. The diverse worldwide Baptist family, represented through the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), is concerned about the contemporary religious, missional, social, cultural, political and economic issues that affect the global family.

2. One means of giving expression to the conclusions Baptists draw on issues of concern to them, and of bearing witness to this before the world, is through the preparation, adoption and sharing of resolutions proposed by member bodies, commissions, etc., for approval by the BWA General Council.

3. BWA’s approach to framing resolutions is informed by biblical teaching and predicated on Baptists’ trinitarian faith. The resolutions are shaped by the values and convictions generally affirmed by Baptists and are proposed by members of the Baptist family, or by the Resolutions Committee, which also considers, reviews and amends them where necessary for presentation to the General Council for consideration and possible adoption.

Resolution on Refugees in East Africa

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5-7, 2017:
NOTES with appreciation the resolution titled “Ministry to Refugees” adopted by the General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Vancouver, Canada, July 6-8, 2016;

Resolution on Freedom of Religion in the Lugansk Region in Eastern Ukraine

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, July 2-6, 2018:
EXPRESSES concern that that the situation for religious communities is precarious in the eastern part of Ukraine – the Lugansk region. The region is part of a conflict area now widely understood to be under the control of Russia, which has recognized the area as “The Lugansk Peoples Republic (LPR).”

Resolution on Human Slavery and Trafficking

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5-7, 2017:

ACKNOWLEDGES that General Council has regularly reminded the global family of Baptists about the evil practice of modern slavery;

Resolution on Preserving the Primacy of Family in Immigration

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, July 2-6, 2018:
RECOGNIZES that the human desire to preserve and protect one’s family from violence, disease, economic depravity, and other threatening conditions is universal and drives millions of people to leave their homelands seeking better lives for themselves and their family members;

Recognizing and Affirming the Calling of Women in the Church

CELEBRATES the Baptist International Conference on Theological Education that met in Nassau, Bahamas, July 5-7, 2019, with the theme of “TOGETHER: Re-Imagining, Re-Reading HERstory in the Church,” with significant discussions of women in the church;

Resolution on the Paris Agreement and Climate Change

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Vancouver, Canada, July 6-8, 2016: CONTINUES TO BELIEVE AND AFFIRM:
• God is the creator, sustainer, and Lord of all, delights in creation, and is committed to its care and renewal;
• The biblical teaching that the earth is God’s creation and we, also as God’s creation, are to nurture and care for it;

Resolution on Haiti

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
ACKNOWLEDGES that the Republic of Haiti was the first, and for a long time, the only state in the world to recognize equality of rights for all human beings regardless of gender, economic condition or any other consideration;

Kachin Crisis

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
LAMENTS the atrocities occurring in Rakhine, Chin, Karen and Kachin states in Myanmar;

Resolution on Corruption

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
ACKNOWLEDGES that every human being is created in the image of God and thereby has an intrinsic
value to God and to the world (Genesis 1:26-27);

Christians at Risk of Persecution

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
RECOGNIZES the very real dangers faced by many Christians in various parts of the world who experience intolerance and persecution from governments and authorities of different political, religious and ideological persuasions;

Child Sexual Abuse in the Church

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
AFFIRMS the intrinsic and inestimable value of children and young people as gifts from God and as the promise of future generations;

Encouraging Discipleship in Turkey

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014: RECOGNIZES the courage and faithfulness of the disciples of Christ in the nation of Turkey;
ACKNOWLEDGES the government’s efforts towards mutual respect and tolerance among different religious groups, which help promote peace and harmony among all of its peoples;

Current Crisis on the Korean Peninsula

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
NOTES, with concern, the nuclear test carried out by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the escalation of rhetoric involving the DPRK, Republic of Korea and the USA of America, and the fear that this can lead to armed conflict in the region;

Human Rights Based on the Work of Anabaptist Richard Overton

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013, in honor of the Human Rights Advocacy award winner for 2013, Glen Stassen:
RECALLS the contributions of English Anabaptist Richard Overton who encouraged Christians to discover human rights by recognizing the rule of God as revealed in Jesus;

Resolution on Displaced Persons

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
REMEMBERS that the Bible honors displaced persons, including the people of Israel who lived as exiles for forty years before entering Canaan (Exodus 13ff.), and who later experienced displacement, loss and trauma when exiled to Assyria and Babylon (e.g. 2 Kings 24:10-16), and the Lord Jesus Christ who, with his family, experienced life as a displaced person (Matthew 2:13-23);

Crisis in the Middle East and North Africa

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
ACKNOWLEDGES that impact of the “Arab Spring” in the Middle East and North Africa has led to an increase in the persecution of minorities, including Christians;

End to United States of America (USA) Embargo on Cuba

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
ACKNOWLEDGES that more than two decades have passed since the end of the Cold War, and that most negative manifestations of that struggle have been ameliorated, except for the continuing USA embargo against Cuba begun in 1960;

Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
BELIEVES that everyone is created in the image of God and so possesses inalienable dignity and value, and that Jesus Christ, who died on the Cross for both women and men, commands us to love one another, as he has loved us (John 13:43);

Religious Liberty

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
ACKNOWLEDGES that every human being is created in the image of God and thereby has an intrinsic
value to God and to the world (Genesis 1:26-27);

Global Baptist Mission

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
ACKNOWLEDGES that every human being is created in the image of God and thereby has an intrinsic
value to God and to the world (Genesis 1:26-27);

Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
ACKNOWLEDGES that every human being is created in the image of God and thereby has an intrinsic
value to God and to the world (Genesis 1:26-27);

Crisis in Nigeria

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
ACKNOWLEDGES that every human being is created in the image of God and thereby has an intrinsic
value to God and to the world (Genesis 1:26-27);

Climate Change and our Responsibility

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
ACKNOWLEDGES that every human being is created in the image of God and thereby has an intrinsic
value to God and to the world (Genesis 1:26-27);

Nelson Mandela

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
LAMENTS the atrocities occurring in Rakhine, Chin, Karen and Kachin states in Myanmar;

Dr. Duke K. McCall in Memoriam

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Vancouver, Canada, July 6-8, 2016:
ACKNOWLEDGES the profound challenges created in many parts of our world by the massive flow of refugees and displaced persons,

Proclamation of the Gospel

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Vancouver, Canada, July 6-8, 2016:
ACKNOWLEDGES the profound challenges created in many parts of our world by the massive flow of refugees and displaced persons,

Gratitude for Life and Ministry of George Liele

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Vancouver, Canada, July 6-8, 2016:
ACKNOWLEDGES the profound challenges created in many parts of our world by the massive flow of refugees and displaced persons,

Appreciation for Dr. J. Deotis Roberts

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Vancouver, Canada, July 6-8, 2016:
ACKNOWLEDGES the profound challenges created in many parts of our world by the massive flow of refugees and displaced persons,

Myanmar, Violence and Religious Liberty

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir Turkey, July 9-11, 2014: AFFIRMS the many significant steps taken by President Thein Sein’s government in Myanmar in recent years to relax restrictions and permit a more open society.

Liberation Legacy of Sam Sharpe

The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Vancouver, Canada, July 6-8, 2016:
ACKNOWLEDGES the profound challenges created in many parts of our world by the massive flow of refugees and displaced persons,

Caribbean Court of Justice

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
LAMENTS the atrocities occurring in Rakhine, Chin, Karen and Kachin states in Myanmar;

Appreciation for Gardner Calvin Taylor

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
ACKNOWLEDGES that every human being is created in the image of God and thereby has an intrinsic
value to God and to the world (Genesis 1:26-27);

Resolution on Evangelism

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
ACKNOWLEDGES that every human being is created in the image of God and thereby has an intrinsic
value to God and to the world (Genesis 1:26-27);

Resolution on Foreign Guest Workers

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
ACKNOWLEDGES that every human being is created in the image of God and thereby has an intrinsic
value to God and to the world (Genesis 1:26-27);

Resolution on Religious Freedom

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
ACKNOWLEDGES that every human being is created in the image of God and thereby has an intrinsic
value to God and to the world (Genesis 1:26-27);

Resolution on the Middle East

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia July 4-9, 2011:
REGARDS current events in various countries in the Middle East as an opportunity for peaceful positive changes in the societies, and, therefore:

Resolution on the Naga Reconciliation Process

Recalling that our Lord Jesus has pronounced “blessed” those who work for peace, (Matt 5:9);
Remembering that the Apostle Paul declares that, “God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ … has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18};

Resolution on South Sudan

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Kuala Lumpur July 4-9, 2011:
RECOGNIZES the establishment of the new state of South Sudan, and the joy of achieving independence, and joins our brothers and sisters as they celebrate their newly found independence.

Resolution on “Conflict Minerals”

AWARE that for 15 years the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been embroiled in war, with an estimated 5,400,000 having died due to the war and its effects and with an estimated 45,000 dying each month in eastern Congo from disease and hunger resulting from the ongoing conflict;

Prayer for Justice and Mercy for Nations and Peoples in Conflict

We express concern for nations and peoples who are caught in a terrible circle of hatred, violence, injustice, and suffering, who live in fear in police states where terrorist acts and military incursions are regular events.
We further recognize that the oppression and depravities by one group leads to anger and violence by the other which is then escalated by the first.

Against Terrorism

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Seville, Spain, July 8-13 2002:
NOTES with profound sadness the continuing suffering and destruction caused by various kinds of terrorism;
EXTENDS its sympathy to all victims of terrorism and encourages initiatives to offer relief to such victims;

The Middle East

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Seville, Spain, July 8-13, 2002:
DEPLORES the continuing violence in the Middle East;
LAMENTS the absence of peace for all the people of the Middle East;
NOTES that the absence of peace for the Middle East contributes to suffering throughout the world;

Congratulations to Former USA President, Jimmy Carter

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7-12, 2003:
RECOGNIZES the importance of the work of Baptists throughout the world, individually and collectively, to bring peace and justice to all of the people of God;
ACKNOWLEDGES the tireless efforts of former President Jimmy Carter to bring about peace and justice in the world;

World Methodist Council

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7-12, 2003:
CELEBRATES with the World Methodist Council the 300th anniversary of the birth of John Wesley, founder of Methodism;
THANKS God for God’s blessings upon, and use of, the Methodist Church for God’s Kingdom work during these three centuries;

Upheaval in Africa

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7-12, 2003:
COMMENDS the Christian churches and missions in Africa, especially the Baptist congregations, for their commitment to the Great Commission of Matthew 28, which has resulted in some of the most vibrant and fastest growing Christian communities in the world;

On Religious Liberty

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7-12, 2003:
RECOGNIZES that every human being is of intrinsic worth, being created in the image of God and possessing the possibility of fellowship with the God of the universe;
AFFIRMS that one of the basic rights of each human being is the right to worship openly and freely according to the dictates of one’s own heart;

Appreciation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7-12, 2003:
NOTES with appreciation the willingness of Korean Baptists to host the 2003 meeting of the General Council of the Baptist World Alliance and looks forward to meeting in Seoul in 2004;

Middle East

COMMENDS the leadership of USA President George W. Bush, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas as well as the roles of the USA, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia in putting forth “The Road Map to Peace” that provides an opportune moment for all parties involved in the Middle East conflict;

Forthcoming World Congress, 2005

ANTICIPATES with joy the forthcoming Centenary Congress of the Baptist World Alliance in Birmingham, England, July 2005;
THANKS God for the many blessings experienced by the world Baptist family over the l00 years of the life and mission of the Baptist World Alliance;

Christ the Living Water

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Seoul, South Korea, July 28-31, 2004:
REAFFIRMS its strong conviction that salvation is offered to the world through Jesus Christ alone by means of his life, death and resurrection and continuing mission;
EMPHASISES the crucial importance of personal conversion through the work of the Holy Spirit issuing in repentance, faith in Christ as saviour, baptism, incorporation into the church and the life of discipleship;

Baptist World Aid and the Micah Challenge

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Seoul, South Korea, July 28-31, 2004:
COMMENDS the Micah network (Micah 6.8) in their desire to strengthen the capacity of aid and development agencies such as Baptist World Aid to make a biblically-shaped response to the needs of the poor and oppressed in line with the World Evangelical Alliance resolution of 2001 to support the UN initiative to halve current levels of world poverty by 2015;

Withdrawal of the Southern Baptist Convention from the Family of the Baptist World Alliance

NOTES that the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in Indianapolis in June 2004 voted to approve a recommendation from its Executive Committee to withdraw from the family of the Baptist World Alliance;
ACKNOWLEDGES with gratitude the enormous contribution made by the Southern Baptist Convention in the formation of the Baptist World Alliance 100 years ago and in the continued development and effectiveness of the Baptist World Alliance since its inception;

The Korean Peninsula

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Seoul, South Korea, July 28-31, 2004:
COMMENDS the Korean Baptist Convention for the faithful witness to the Gospel both within South Korea and in its mission work throughout the world.
NOTES with concern the continued division of families and communities in the north and south of Korea;

Appreciation

NOTES with appreciation the work of Korean Baptists in hosting this 2004 meeting of the General Council of the Baptist World Alliance;
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Baptist Convention of South Korea, its President, C. Y. Choi and General Secretary, S. S. Hong for their invitation to meet in Seoul;

Violence Against Women and Children

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Mexico City, July 3-8, 2006:
Recognizes that women and children are victims of violence that include exploitation in the sex industry, which includes sexual trafficking, labor exploitation, domestic conflict, recruitment into military conflict, rape, many other forms of violence because of precarious and vulnerable situations.

Statement of Appreciation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Mexico City, July 3-8, 2006:
Offers sincere thanks to the Mexico Baptist Convention for the invitation to hold this Annual Gathering in this wonderful city.

HIV/AIDS Crisis

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Mexico City, July 3-8, 2006:
Notes again the great urgency of the HIV/AIDS crisis and laments that 65 million people have been infected and more than 25 million people have died of HIV/AIDS in the past 25 years.

On Human Rights and Abuses in Myanmar

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Mexico City, July 3-8, 2006:
Recognizes historic Baptists links with Burma [Myanmar] dating back to the work of Adoniram Judson and his colleagues in the nineteenth century.

On Sudan

Expresses concern about the ongoing armed conflicts which have resulted in more than 2,000,000 deaths and over 1,000,000 displaced persons and numerous other human rights violations. These violations are evident in Darfur, but exist throughout Sudan. Encourages further networking among Sudanese Baptist churches who are isolated by the effects of war.

Evangelism and Missions

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Mexico City, July 3-8, 2006:
Reaffirms at the beginning of a new century of Baptist World Alliance life and witness our commitment to proclaim and demonstrate, through word and deed, our faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

200th Anniversary of the Passing of the Act to Abolish the Slave Trade in the British Colonies

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering, meeting in Accra, Ghana, July 2-7, 2007:
Resolves to commemorate in this historic setting the two hundredth anniversary of the beginning of the abolition of the slave trade.
Admits a long history of human enslavement that has broken families, robbed identities, stripped dignity and inflicted deep and inexpressible pain.

On Darfur

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering, meeting in Accra, Ghana, July 2-7, 2007:
Maintains ongoing concern about the armed conflicts, contrived famines, destruction of communities, lack of transparent truth and accountability and other human rights violations in Sudan.

Baptist World Aid and the Poor in God’s World

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering, meeting in Accra, Ghana, July 2-7, 2007:
Renews its decision made at the General Council in Seoul, Korea, 2004, to strengthen the capacity of aid and development agencies, such as Baptist World Aid, to make a biblically- shaped response to the needs of the poor and oppressed in line with the Micah Challenge campaign to support the UN initiative of 2000 on the Millennium Development Goals to halve the level of world poverty by 2015;

On Detention and Due Process

On Detention and Due Process
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering, meeting in Accra, Ghana, July 2-7, 2007:
Urges all governments, enforcement agencies under their jurisdictions, and non-state actors to enforce and abide by the basic tenets of human rights as represented in international laws and conventions in the investigation, arrest, interrogation, detention, due process, trial, sentencing, and incarceration of all persons, regardless of race, religion, gender, national status, or political association.

Emerging Leaders Network

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering, meeting in Accra, Ghana, July 2-7, 2007:
Commends the leadership of the Baptist World Alliance for initiating and facilitating the Emerging Leaders Network;
Celebrates the gifts and talents of those who are a part of the Emerging Leaders Network and who represent the future of the BWA;

Action on Corruption

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering, meeting in Accra, Ghana, July 2-7, 2007:
Laments the presence and power of corruption in many levels of society throughout the world and especially within government and corporate elites;

Statement of Appreciation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering, meeting in Accra, Ghana, July 2-7, 2007:
Offers sincere thanks to the Ghana Baptist Convention for its invitation to hold the Annual Gathering in the city of Accra;
Expresses sincere gratitude to Kojo Amo, General Secretary of the Ghana Baptist Convention; Steve Asante, President of the Ghana Baptist Convention; Samuel Otu-Pimpong, Chairman of the Local Arrangements Committee; and to other Ghanaian Baptists who worked diligently to make careful arrangements and extend kind hospitality to Baptist representatives from around the world;

Children

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Seville, Spain, July 8-13 2002: AFFIRMS that Jesus Christ calls the church to proclaim the gospel to all nations (Matt. 28:18- 20);
COMMENDS our Division of Evangelism and Education for its leadership in promoting global evangelism;

Living Water

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Ede, the Netherlands, July 27- August 1, 2009;
Gives thanks to God for the impact of the ‘Living Water’ conferences on evangelism and leadership development in regional and national Baptist bodies;

Global Mission

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Havana July 5-8 2000
REAFFIRMS the priority given by the Baptist World Alliance to mission and evangelism;
RECALLS the special evangelistic programmes developed by many Unions and Conventions organised for the end of the 1990’s, including the BWA programme of a special month of evangelism and its call to renew our evangelistic commitment at the beginning of a new era;

Theological Education

AFFIRMS the role of theological education as essential for the development of pastors and church leaders who will bring servant leadership to the task of developing growing and vital churches to carry out the mission of the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit;

The Sexual Exploitation of Children

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Havana July 5-8 2000,
RECALLS that Jesus Christ” took little children in his arms and blessed them” as an expression of his love and concern;
RECOGNISES that children all over the world are subjected to abusive relationships perpetrated by adults and tolerated by communities and governments;

Racism

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting Havana Cuba July 5-8 2000
COMMITTED to the Decade of Racial Justice and affirming that in the Atlanta Covenant we condemn racism and ethnic conflict;
RESOLVES to encourage member bodies to promote programmes to combat racism and ethnic violence around the world;

Appreciation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Havana July 5-8, 2000
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Baptists of Cuba and the local congregations in Havana for their warm welcome and generous hospitality;

Sanctions

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Havana July 5-8, 2000
NOTES the pain and suffering endured by innocent persons as a result of the imposition of international economic sanctions;
RECALLS that at its meeting in Montego Bay in 1992 the Council took note of the “heavy burdens placed on the poor of … Cuba by the present trade embargo” and called for the “speedy removal of economic sanctions which impact leaders, while devastating the population at large”:

Climate Change

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, July 20- 25, 2008;
Confesses that humans have often denied or ignored our interdependence with creation and abrogated our stewardship of creation, resulting in misuse of the earth’s resources, environmental degradation, and damage to ecosystems;

Involuntary Fingerprinting of Roma People in Italy

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, July 20- 25, 2008;
Laments that the Italian government, without objection of the European Union, is practicing the involuntary fingerprinting of all Roma people within its borders, including children, which we regard as ethnic profiling;

Refugees and Immigration

BWA General Council Resolution 2008.7 The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, July 20- 25, 2008; Recognizes the global growth of refugee migration and international relocation with more than 67 million current refugees and...

Ministry of Reconciliation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, July 20- 25, 2008;
Expresses deep sadness and regret over religious and ethnic conflicts that claim many lives and create deep scars in different parts of the world;

Zimbabwe

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, July 20- 25, 2008;
Rejoices in the work God is doing among his people in Zimbabwe and in particular through the Baptist churches in Zimbabwe;

400th Anniversary of the Formation of the First Baptist Congregation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, July 20-25, 2008;
Resolves to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the first Baptist congregation, formed in Amsterdam in 1609, by meeting for its next Annual Gathering in the Netherlands in 2009;

Evangelism and Contextualization of the Gospel

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, July 20- 25, 2008;
Gives thanks to God for the rich spiritual legacy of Reformers like Jan Hus and Petr Chelcicky whose witness still inspires Czech Baptist life which began one hundred and fifty years ago;

Baptist Youth Conference

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, July 20- 25, 2008;
Commends the Youth Department and other entities of the Baptist World Alliance for their roles in envisioning, organizing, and promoting the “Dive Deeper” Baptist Youth World Conference in Leipzig, Germany, July 30-August 3;

Appreciation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, July 20- 25, 2008;
Offers sincere thanks to the Baptist Union of Czech Republic for the invitation to hold this Annual Gathering in Prague;

Resolution on Appreciation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, July 2-7, 2001
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Baptists of Canada and the local congregations on Prince Edward Island for their warm welcome and generous hospitality;

Resolution on Forgiveness of National Debts

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, July 2-7, 2001
NOTES the imminent G8 summit meeting to be held in Genoa, Italy;
RECALLS the 1999 General Council resolution on Jubilee 2000 congratulating the G8 nations for adopting a US $100 billion debt forgiveness package;

Resolution on Conversations between Christian Communions

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, July 2-7, 2001
RECALLS with appreciation the interchurch conversations between the BWA and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (1969-1973), the Lutheran World Federation 1986-1989), the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity (1984-1988), and the Mennonite World Conference (1989-1992);

Resolution on HIV/AIDS

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, July 2-7, 2001
ACKNOWLEDGES previous General Council resolutions concerning the continuing AIDS crisis;
LAMENTS the rapid spread of the HIV/AIDS crisis, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, the devastating impact of this disease on families and communities, and the lack of sufficient economic and medical resources to address its causes, prevention and treatment;

BWA Centenary and Funding

THANKS God for the Baptist World Alliance, consisting of more than 44 million baptized believers in an extended community of some 100 million people;
ACKNOWLEDGES with appreciation its strategic ministry of calling persons to personal faith in Jesus Christ, defending human rights, advocating social justice, meeting human needs and training Baptist leaders and churches to deepen their impact for Christ in their communities;

Children

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Seville, July 8 – 13, 2002:
AFFIRMS that every child, from the time of conception, is of inestimable worth, having been created in the image of God, and possessing at an appropriate age the capacity to experience fellowship with God through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ;

Appreciation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Ede, the Netherlands, July 27- August 1, 2009;
Offers sincere thanks to the Union of Baptist Churches in the Netherlands for the invitation to hold this Annual Gathering in Ede on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the first Baptist congregation, formed in Amsterdam in 1609;

Baptist-Muslim Relations

Welcomes the opportunities opened up by the friendly and constructive spirit in which A Common Word, signed by 138 Muslim scholars and leaders, has been written;

Climate Change

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ede, the Netherlands, July 27-August 1, 2009;
Affirms the biblical teaching of respect for the Earth and everything in it, and the moral imperative to love one’s neighbors as oneself including those of future generations;

Religious Freedom Violations in Azerbaijan

Recollects, celebrating 400 years of Baptist life, that from the beginning our founders stood for freedom of conscience and freedom of religion for all people regardless of their beliefs or non-belief;
Notes that the joint EBF/BWA Religious Freedom Monitoring Group during a visit in January 2009 to Azerbaijan observed violations of freedom of religion towards the local Baptists;

Appreciation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance in Vancouver, Canada, July 3-9, 1997,

ACKNOWLEDGES the gracious efforts of Bruce Milne, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Vancouver, who chaired the Local Arrangements Committee, and Bob Pearmain, assistant chair;

1994 International Year of the Family

ACKNOWLEDGES the actions of Baptists in our own generation in championing religious freedom for all people, especially those who find themselves in a minority situation;
VIEWS WITH ALARM the denial of the right of religious liberty to minority groups such as evangelicals in Bulgaria, Albania, Iran, Ethiopia and the republics of Central Asia, Christians in China, Indonesia and East Timor; and to the Coptic Orthodox and other Christians in Egypt;

The Ministry of Reconciliation

REJOICES with the world community at recent political developments where negotiation has opened the way to peaceful resolution of long-term hostility or oppression, in particular:
• the September 1993 accords between the Israelis and Palestinians
• the birth of a non-racial and truly democratic society through the April 1994 elections in South Africa
• the peaceful transition to democracy in Malawi in 1994 where Baptists and other Christian leaders played a crucial and courageous role;

Witness in a Secular Europe

CELEBRATES the widespread presence of Baptists through the nations of Eurasia;
RECOGNIZES that member bodies, such as the Baptist Union of Sweden, in their commitment to partnership with other Christians, without compromising their distinctive Baptist identity, provide a model of the sharing of work and witness called for by the Seoul Covenant;

Appreciation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Uppsala, Sweden from 18-24 July 1994:
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Baptist Union of Sweden for the warmth of their welcome and the generosity of their hospitality;

Evangelism

REAFFIRMS the priority given by the Alliance to evangelism; and
APPRECIATES the leadership already demonstrated by President Nilson Fanini and eagerly anticipates his continuing efforts in this area; and

Persecution of Christians

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Uppsala, Sweden from 18-24 July 1994:
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Baptist Union of Sweden for the warmth of their welcome and the generosity of their hospitality;

Church Burning in the U.S.A.

NOTES with profound concern the continuing incidents of church burning, numbering in excess of 40 within the past 18 months in the United States of America, involving congregations with African– American membership; and

Hong Kong

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Hong Kong, July 3-9,1996:
NOTES the approaching return of the territory of Hong Kong to Chinese control effective July 1, 1997; and
RECOGNIZES that some perceive this event as potentially traumatic, while others are more optimistic about a new experiment in plural socio-economic systems co-existing within a single nation; and

Appreciation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Hong Kong, July 3-9, 1996:
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Baptist Convention of Hong Kong for the warmth of their welcome and the generosity of their hospitality;
ACKNOWLEDGES the gracious welcome to Hong Kong given by President Cecil Chan; and

Peace in the Middle East

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Vancouver Canada, July 3-9, 1997,
EXPRESSES concern that the Middle East peace process has only partially been implemented and that this threatens the stability of all the states in the region;

Rwanda and Burundi

COMMENDS with appreciation the Baptist Heads of Denominations and its secretary, the Rev. Noah Pashapa, for the invaluable and gracious assistance given to the BWA staff in planning and organizing this first-ever BWA gathering in Southern Africa;

Landmines

BWA General Council Resolution 1997.3 The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Vancouver, Canada, July 3-9, 1997, NOTES with horror that currently in excess of 100 million anti-personnel land mines are deployed in more than 70 countries, with a...

Human Rights

BWA General Council Resolution 1997.1 The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Vancouver, Canada, July 3-9, 1997: RECOGNIZES with gratitude that 1998 will mark the 59th anniversary of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights which...

Conflict Resolution in Nagaland

RECALLS that In November 1997 the Naga people celebrated the 125th anniversary of the introduction of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their country by Baptist missionaries;
MOURNS more than fifty years of conflict and civil war In Nagaland, which in the last decade has resulted in the division of the Nagas into multiple factions, with insurgent armies that have engaged In violent conflict with the Indian army and, on occasion, with each other;

Reconciliation

APPLAUDS the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that Is playing an active role in helping to bring healing following the end of apartheid and the establishment of democratic rule in South Africa;
COMMENDS the efforts of South African Baptists led by Desmond Hoffmeister, General Secretary of the Baptist Convention of South Africa, and Terry Rae, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Southern Africa, and encourages their continuing resolve to work under God’s inspiration and guidance toward a Just reconciliation between these two communities;

Nuclear Proliferation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Durban. July 5-11,1998
REGRETS the recent nuclear testing by India and Pakistan that has led to renewed global concern
about nuclear proliferation;
DEPLORES the failure of the world’s other nuclear powers to effectively discourage the spread of
nuclear weapons;

Jubilee 2000

BWA General Council Resolution 1998.4 The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting In Durban, July 5-11,1998 ANTICIPATES a special celebration of the anniversary of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the year 2000; AFFIRMS that "there is no other...

Appreciation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting In Durban July 5-11,1998
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Baptist Convention of South Africa, the Baptist Union of Southern Africa, and the local congregations in Durban and vicinity for their warm welcome and generous hospitality;

Balkans Reconciliation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Dresden July 11-17, 1999

ACKNOWLEDGES with gratitude the speedy and continuing response by Baptist World Aid, other Baptist agencies, and various non-governmental organizations in providing relief to the victims of this conflict in the spirit of biblical teaching including Romans 12:14-21;

Jubilee 2000 Developments

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Dresden July 11-17, 1999 RECALLS the 1998 General Council resolution endorsing the Jubilee 2000 initiative;
REJOICES in the developing success of this campaign, which seeks to encourage the forgiveness of debts by banks and government agencies to ensure a debt-free start to the next millennium for the poorest nations in the world;

Appreciation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Dresden July 11-17, 1999
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Union of Evangelical Free Churches in Germany and the local congregations of Dresden and vicinity for their warm welcome and generous hospitality;
ACKNOWLEDGES the gracious welcome to the State of Saxony given by Herr Gunther Portune, state secretary in the ministry of culture;

Southern Africa

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Montego Bay, Jamaica, July 4-12, 1992;
MINDFUL of the meetings of the General Council and the 12th Baptist Youth World Conference set for Zimbabwe in August, 1993;

World Evangelization

REALIZING that over four billion people in our world do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and that one-fourth of the world’s population has never heard the Gospel,
ACKNOWLEDGING the commitment that member bodies of the BWA have made through the Seoul Covenant to world evangelization.

Appreciation to C. E. Bryant

Recognizing the loyal and dedicated service of the Rev. Cyril E. Bryant, Lit.D., the BWA General Council expresses deep appreciation for
• twenty-five years of devoted ministry to the Baptist World Alliance.
• skillful editing of BAPTIST WORLD.
• comprehensive news coverage of happenings in the worldwide family of Baptists.
• creative feature writing, including his book, Operation Brother’s Brother.

Human Rights-A Call to Action Against Torture

We reaffirm the fundamental Christian convictions expressed in Resolution 1983.4 of the Baptist World Alliance, adopted in July 1983 in the Republic of Argentina, namely that “human rights are God-given and that violations of human rights are violations of the laws of God.”

Appreciation

This Council expresses its deep appreciation to the Union of the Evangelical Free Churches s in Germany (Bund Evangelisch-Freikirchlicher Gemeinden in Deutschland), to the Baptist Churches of Berlin West and to the city authorities, for their welcome and generous hospitality and for their careful preparations for these Council meetings. We also thank the officers and staff of the Alliance for their commitment and organization which have insured the success of the meetings.

International Year of Youth

WE CALL UPON Baptists of the world, in cooperation with other Christians, to make one of their evangelistic goals the winning of a whole new generation of young people for Christ, by sharing with them the Gospel of hope as the only answer to the many problems and dangers facing them — nuclear threat, unemployment, drugs, hunger, poverty, materialism, racism, violence, etc.

Greetings

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in West Berlin, sends warm Christian greetings to the Lutheran World Federation meeting at the same time in Budapest. We pray for God’s blessing on your deliberations and on the work of your churches throughout the world.

Reaffirmation

While we acknowledge that there are strong cultural and theological differences about the role of women in the church, we wish to affirm the teaching of Galatians 3:28 that in Christ, male and female are equal.
We encourage the churches to affirm this truth in the life and thereby reflect integrity in our Christian witness.

The 10th Baptist World Youth Conference

We rejoice in the success of the 10th Baptist World Youth Conference recently held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
We strongly reaffirm the following message from the Conference addressed to Baptists of the world and commend its implementation in whatever way seems most appropriate:

Nuclear Arms

Once again WE EXPRESS OUR PROFOUND CONCERN over international tensions, the armed conflicts in certain regions, the economic burden of large armaments and armed forces, the threat of nuclear annihilation of humanity;

Appreciation

This Council expresses its deepest appreciation:
• to the government of Argentina for its gracious welcome and its readiness to grant visas to all participants;
• to the officers and churches of the Convenciòn Evangèlica Bautista Argentina for the careful preparations, warm welcome, generous hospitality and interpretation service;

Process

The General Council recognizes the complexities of the issues faced by our world today. It is concerned that these be addressed adequately by the Alliance. The Executive of the Council is therefore requested to review major matters to be processed by the Resolutions Committee at its next meeting and to seek out competent persons who will be asked to submit proposed resolutions to be reviewed and where necessary revised by the Resolutions Committee for recommendation to the General Council.

Reconciliation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina,
a) recognizes with thanksgiving to God its experience of the reconciling love of Christ, expressed in the united fellowship of Baptist people from North, South, East and West;
b) reaffirms its belief that God in Christ is able to bring people truly together across national, political, economic, language and cultural barriers;

Human Rights: A Statement of Concern

Baptist people numbering more than 34 million from all over the world have long stood for the right of all people to be free and independent and have worked to encourage governments everywhere to respect human rights. As Christians we believe that human rights are God-given and that violations of human rights are violations of the laws of God. We have expressed deep concern in previous years about human rights violations in all parts of the world, from blatant racial discrimination and restrictions on religious freedom to military and economic oppression.

Nuclear Arms

We affirm our convictions expressed in the Resolution 1982.5 passed last year in Nairobi, Kenya. This resolution endorsed the statement made by the Baptist Union of Sweden of the same year and drew attention to the Moscow Declaration.

The Union Bautista Sud Americana

Thankful for the history of Baptist witness in South America and for those who have given leadership to the worldwide fellowship from this part of the world, we congratulate the churches, conventions, unions and assemblies on the foundation of the new regional fellowship, the Union Bautista Sud Americana.

World Evangelism

From the beginning of our history Baptists have been a missionary people. We are grateful to God for the sacrifice and commitment of many missionaries. A new day is dawning in world evangelization. The former receiving churches are becoming sending churches. The task of world evangelization is now for every Baptist convention and union.

Mrs. Victoria Tolbert

WHEREAS our sister in Christ, Victoria Tolbert, is incarcerated in Liberia following the death of her husband, William O. Tolbert, in a military coup, and
WHEREAS Mrs. Tolbert is a member of the Executive Committee of the Women’s Department of the Baptist World Alliance, and
WHEREAS Mrs. Tolbert was expected to participate in the women’s meetings of the Baptist World Congress in Toronto,

Appreciation

Recognizing the historic nature of our presence in Africa, the Baptist World Alliance General Council and Study Commissions express our deep appreciation:
• To the government of Kenya for hosting our meetings, extending to us their welcome and visas to all participants.
• To the Baptist Convention of Kenya for their warm greetings and gracious hospitality.
• To the missionaries in Kenya of the Southern Baptist Convention and other local volunteers.

Disarmament

We reiterate the conviction expressed by every Baptist World Congress form 1970 to the present, that the levels of fighting forces and armaments of the nations must be reduced. The arms race between the super- powers and the increased military readiness of all nations constitute a danger to peace and are an economic and social waste.

Peace and Peaceful Change

We express our grave disappointment over the breaches of international peace which have occurred in the past twelve months, especially but not limited to, the situation in the Falkland Islands-Islas Malvinas, and in Lebanon, Somalia, El Salvador and Afghanistan, among others.

Health and Education

We hold the conviction that our ministry to people should be holistic, inclusive of the all important spiritual, and also of the physical and moral.
We acknowledge with joy the work of Baptist churches, associations, unions and mission bodies in ministries of health and education and would strongly encourage bold new ventures in poverty areas.

Fundamental Freedoms

Ever since the Baptist World Congress in Atlanta in 1939 the Baptist World Alliance has spoken out with regularity on behalf of religious freedom for all persons, and in more recent years on behalf of civil liberties generally.

World Hunger

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Nairobi, Kenya:
1. Aware of the constant struggle for physical survival in this continent as well as in the world, the present conditions in the Sahel being one tragic example, would there draw attention to the statement quoted in the report of the BWAid Committee as follows…”

Appreciation

Recognizing the extreme importance of an effective beginning for the General Council and Study Commissions for the 1981-85 quinquennium, we express our deep appreciation:
1. To the Baptists of Puerto Rico and especially to the Primera Iglesia Bautista de Carolina for their warm greetings and gracious hospitality.

Conference on Peace and Harmony

BWA General Council Resolution 1981.6 The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance: Expresses appreciation for the initiative taken by the Church of Sweden (Lutheran) and its Archbishop in calling a Conference on Peace and Disarmament in Sweden in March 1982,...

Disarmament

We are encouraged by preparations now being made for another Special Assembly of the U.N. General Assembly on the subject of disarmament and recognize the crucial importance of this subject for the future of mankind.

Appreciation

MOTION was made and seconded, and carried
32GC76 that the following resolution be adopted:
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Melbourne, Australia, resolves

Appreciation

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance wishes to express its appreciation of:
1. The royal welcome of our British Baptist brothers and sisters, whose thoughtful kindness has further endeared them to us. We will take back to our homes their gift to remind us of these days while life shall last.

Sources of Energy

We, the General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, urge on all governments and all members of our churches the need for careful and responsible husbanding of such resources, having in mind the effects of these shortages on the economies, especially of Third World countries and the requirements of succeeding generations.

Religious Freedom and Human Rights

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, believing in the inherent right of all people to freedom of religious faith, practice, and propagation, and recognizing the rights of governments to require that such freedom shall be exercised responsibly, wishes once again to express its deep concern over present attitudes in many countries with respect to religious believers, involving in some cases, strong legislation against them.

World Hunger (1979)

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, realizing that many of the world’s peoples are threatened by starvation — by famine, war and natural disaster which have contributed to their desperate plight — we cannot help but recognize the gospel mandate for Christian people to meet such urgent human need.

The Dispossessed

The Baptist World Alliance General Council expresses the deepest disquiet over the plight of the dispossessed and homeless peoples of the world.
We plead with all governments to avoid discriminatory policies against any of the peoples within their jurisdiction.

Theological Training and “The Seminary Fund”

Carl W. Tiller had been asked to prepare a report for the Council on efforts made in past years by Baptists of the world to provide theological training and to establish a theological seminary in the heart of Europe. His written report contained a history of a seminary fund for training in the Slavic languages, begun in 1908 by Baptists.

Message to Baptist Churches Throughout the World

The Baptist World Alliance is a fellowship of almost 29 of the 33 million Baptists in the world. They represent many nations and widely differing cultures and ways of life and thought. It is neither within its power nor its function to direct, or rule on the internal affairs of the political or economic procedures of its constituent bodies or of their countries.

Testing of Nuclear Weapons

WHEREAS the Baptist World Congress, held in Tokyo in 1970, called for International “agreements for the limitation of both offensive and defensive strategic weapons” and for “immediate agreements to suspend the further deployment of all offensive and defensive nuclear strategic weapons systems, subject to national verification or such other measures of observation and inspection as may be appropriate,”

Charismatic Movement

WHEREAS the Commission on Doctrine and Inter-Church Cooperation has for a number of years devoted some of its attention to the charismatic movement, we request the Commission to provide the 1978 BWA General Council such summary statement and guidelines for our Baptist fellowship as they deem appropriate.

Appreciation

WHEREAS the General Secretary and staff of the BWA have served the meeting with outstanding efficiency and courtesy, thereby facilitating the speedy and effective work of this Council,

Appreciation

BE IT RESOLVED that we show our appreciation to the Baptist people of Miami, especially the staff and congregation of the Central Baptist Church of Miami, and the Miami Baptist Association for their fine hospitality.

Peace Conference

5 MOTION was made, seconded, amended, and carried 36GC76 that the following resolution be adopted:
The General Council, having learned of the preparations to hold a World Conference in 1977, involving representation from all the major religions of the world, entitled “World Conference of Religious Workers for Lasting Peace, Disarmament, and Just Relations Among Nations,”

Food Aid as a Political Instrument

MOTION by W. A. Criswell was seconded, and carried 35GC76 that the following resolution be adopted:
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, believing that the feeding of the starving and the undernourished ought not to be limited to people whose governments are closely allied to donor governments, and recognizing that some governments have used, or have been under pressure to use relief,

Relief and Development Programs

MOTION by Roy Bell was seconded, and carried
34GC76 that the following resolution, and all pending amendments, be referred to the Executive Committee for consideration.
Since certain governments engage in programs of relief and development beyond their boundaries, and in so doing use their own and other governmental agencies, national voluntary agencies, but do not use international voluntary agencies; and

Appreciation

MOTION by W. A. Criswell was seconded, and carried 33GC76 that the following resolution be adopted:
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance resolves to place on record, as the European Office of the Baptist World Alliance is transferred from London, England, to Hamburg, Germany, its sincere and warm appreciation of the significant contribution made to the Baptist World Alliance by the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland from its inception and throughout its history,

Human Rights

WHEREAS the Commission on Freedom, Justice, and Peace has for a number of years devoted some of its attention to the issues of human rights, we request the Commission to provide the 1978 BWA General Council such summary statement and guidelines as they deem appropriate.

1970 BWA World Congress Message to the Churches

We who have the privilege and joy of attending the Twelfth Congress of the Baptist World Alliance at Tokyo greet you, the members of churches in fellowship with the Alliance. In this written message we cannot convey the wonder of the inspiration felt in worship, prayer, and fellowship with so large a gathering of representatives from so many countries, meeting for the first time in Asia.

Reconciliation and Racial Discrimination

At Berlin in 1934, at Atlanta in 1939, at Copenhagen in 1947, at Cleveland in 1950, at London in 1955, at Rio de Janeiro in 1960, and at Miami Beach in 1965 the Baptist World Alliance registered its opposition to racial discrimination and its parent, racism, which is the evil of looking at men in terms of their differences of color or culture rather than their oneness as children of God.

World Peace and Reconciliation

BWA World Congress Resolution 1970.1 We, the representatives of the Baptist World Alliance, assembled in Tokyo, Japan, in July, 1970: Reaffirm the deep devotion of Baptists to peace and reconciliation for all humanity on this earth under God; Restate our realization...

Sponsoring of Youth Work (1970.7)

The Twelfth Baptist World Congress of 1970, held in Tokyo, Japan, resolves to offer its great appreciation to the Program Committee of the BWA, the Local Arrangements Committee of Japan Baptist Domai (Union), the Japan Baptist Renmai (Convention) and the Japan Baptist Church Association for the labor of love, in bringing this significant Baptist Congress, held on Asian soil for the first time, into great success.

Economic Justice

The Twelfth Baptist World Congress, meeting in Tokyo, Japan, during July 12-18, 1970, notes with deep concern the continuing and increasing lack of economic self-sufficiency suffered by the majority of the inhabitants of the world, particularly those who are citizens of the developing countries.

Sponsoring of Youth Work (1970.6)

Because the Baptist World Alliance has shown concern for Baptist young people throughout the world as evidenced by its sponsorship of Baptist Youth World Conferences, and because young people in this age have developed a keen sense of awareness to the need of applying Christian teachings in practical ministries in efforts to heed the call and commands of Christ,

Working with Other Religions and Organizations for World Peace

The Baptist World Alliance, in its continued and determined efforts for world peace with justice, and in its further endeavors to overcome the poverty and suffering of peoples of every nation, is willing to work with other religious groups and organizations toward these ends, doing so in a manner consistent with our Baptist principles and Baptist beliefs.

Resolution on Underprivileged Persons

We believe that all people of the world have one Father and that one God has created us all and that it is God’s will that all of His people should share in the conditions that provide for freedom, self- determination, technical knowledge, and the materials necessary to the life of persons whom God has created to fulfil His purposes.

Resolution of Thanks

We, the delegates of the Eleventh Baptist World Alliance Congress held at Miami Beach, Florida, June 25-30, 1965, offer thanks to our Heavenly Father for the privilege of fellowship with Baptists gathered from the nations of the world. We are grateful, not alone for new light and truth which have broken forth from the Word of God, but for the restatement of those things most surely believed among us.

Resolution on Peace

In these days of tension and concern for the destiny of all mankind, we Baptists appeal to all Christians to join together to preserve peace on earth.
We must answer the call “to seek peace and pursue it.” The things that belong to “Thy peace” must be found. No nation wins a nuclear war—all are defeated. As much as one hundred and twenty billions of dollars are being spent yearly on armaments and armed forces by the nations of the world.

Resolution on Nuclear Testing

We urge the nations to dispense with all testing of nuclear weapons and the production of the same; and co-operatively, to agree on satisfactory methods of inspection designed to ensure that all nations shall exercise good faith in this matter.

Resolution on Race Relations

We urge the nations to dispense with all testing of nuclear weapons and the production of the same; and co-operatively, to agree on satisfactory methods of inspection designed to ensure that all nations shall exercise good faith in this matter.

Resolution on Brotherhood and Equality

That this Eleventh Congress of the Baptist World Alliance affirms its belief in both the brotherhood of all Christians and the equality of all men under God, regardless of race or social position, and that we accept our responsibility as Baptists to take a full share in solving the un-Christlike distinctions of our societies, wherever they are.

Resolution on Baptist Witness and Evangelism

That the members of the Congress accept the challenge presented in his Presidential Address by Dr. Joao Soren to a new thrust of Christian witness, evangelism, and service throughout the world. Believing this to be one of the greatest needs of our time in every continent they call upon their fellow Baptists to join them in united sacrificial endeavor in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1965 BWA World Congress Manifesto

WE REAFFIRM our faith that the gospel of God’s free salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, is for all men, without distinction, and that today as in previous generations it speaks to man’s every need, convicting, redeeming, transforming, guarding the human spirit and requiring the ending of exploitation and tyranny, and the provision of full opportunities for its free acceptance and for worship, witness, and service.

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Resolution on Race Relations

“Race relations is one of the perplexing problems which the Christian Church must face in the world to- day. There are many conditions and attitudes which strain and impair human relations and cause great concern; but we cannot solve the problem unless we face it forthrightly as Christians.

Resolution of Thanks

“Baptists in every land join with their fellow-Christians in the prayer that peace, both just and abiding, may come soon to the hearts of all mankind. To that end, we hail with hope two recent developments:
First, war has been defined and declared as a crime against society. Second, the founding of United Nations as a medium of interpreting and guaranteeing the right basis for effective expression of the common desire of all right-thinking people to enjoy life, liberty, and happiness.

Resolution concerning the Jews

“Aware of the unprecedented suffering through which the people of Israel have passed during recent years, millions of them being exterminated by the most inhuman means; aware also that these sufferings are not yet at an end, but that hundreds of thousands are still in concentration camps or wandering homeless from land to land; aware, further, that the poisonous propaganda and destructive designs of anti- Semitism are still at work in many lands: this Congress puts on record its sense of sorrow and shame that such conditions prevail.

Resolution on Displaced Persons

BWA World Congress Resolution 1947.4 “This B.W.A. Congress at Copenhagen, assembled from many lands and representing many peoples, deeply concerned at the condition of the D.P.’s in many camps in Germany, Austria, and other countries, remembering that those who...

Resolution on International Relations

BWA World Congress Resolution 1947.1 "Baptists in every land join with their fellow-Christians in the prayer that peace, both just and abiding, may come soon to the hearts of all mankind. To that end, we hail with hope two recent developments: First, war has been...

War

“The international misunderstandings, jealousies and rivalries which have followed the last Great War have baffled every effort to secure general disarmament. The preparation of munitions of war is a commercial interest. There is through-out the World a growing sense of insecurity because of the failure thus far to establish an effective commonwealth of nations possessing the authority and the means for redressing and preventing international injustice.

Resolution of Thanks

Resolution of Thanks
127. The President introduced Dr. Clifton Gray, who moved the following resolution, which was unanimously accepted:
“The Baptist World Alliance gratefully records its deep sense of obligation to many individuals and organizations as well as to the citizens of Atlanta as a whole for the magnificent cooperation which has helped to make this Sixth Baptist World Congress

Repression of Religion in Russia

BWA World Congress Resolution 1934.3 122. Dr. W. O. Lewis, European representative of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, moved the following resolution on behalf of the Resolutions Committee: “This World Congress of Baptists representing sixty countries...

Racialism

BWA World Congress Resolution 1939.5 The Sixth Baptist World Congress, assembled in Atlanta, Ga., is constrained to express the judgment of Baptist people in general on the question of race relationship. The members rejoice that the preparations for the present...

Temperance (1939)

BWA World Congress Resolution 1939.4 This assembly of the Baptist World Alliance declares that the sale and use of intoxicants increase crime, waste national resources, corrupt social habits, and are inimical to the welfare of individuals and of society, and should...

Russia

The members of this Sixth Baptist World Congress, meeting in Atlanta, Ga., record their sorrow that it has been impossible for any representatives from the U. S. S. R. to participate in their assembly. They would desire, if it is possible to reach them, to assure the Baptists in those Republics of the prayerful and continuous sympathy of their fellow-believers throughout the World.

Evangelism

The Congress rejoices in the spontaneous action of a number of its members in gathering for an informal conference on Evangelism, receives with high appreciation the suggestions and recommendations which they have put forward, and refers them to the Executive Committee for sympathetic consideration and consultation.

Rumania (1939)

This Baptist World Congress has learned with satisfaction that, through the action of the Prime Minister, the Rumanian Baptist Churches, which were last year closed as the effect of repressive administrative orders issued by the Minister of Cults, have throughout the larger part of the land been re-opened. The Congress has also learned of the issue of a new administrative decree whose terms are less severe than those of earlier decrees.

Resolutions on Commission Reports

(i) This Congress has received with high appreciation the report of Commission No. 1, on the subject “What Baptists Can Do to Avert War and Promote Peace,” and commends its contents to Baptists throughout the World for study and action.

Racialism

163. Professor A.T. Ohrn, Norway, moved the following Resolution on “Racialism”
“This Congress representing the world-wide, inter-racial fellowship of Baptists, rejoices to know that despite all differences of race, there is in Christ an all-embracing unity, so that in Him it can be claimed with deepest truth there is ‘neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, but Christ is all in all.’

Church and State

171. The Rev. Gilbert Laws, England, moved the following Resolution on “Church and State”:
“The members of this Congress believe that the Church is the company of the people of Christ with the Lord Himself according to His promise in the midst of them, and that He by His Spirit guides them into all Truth and makes plain to them the Will of God for them.

Relief for Russia

“This Congress hears with deep concern of the conditions of want and starvation in Soviet Russia which have already caused millions of deaths, and are likely, unless help can be given, to cost yet more millions of lives in the coming winter. It would welcome the appointment of an international non-political Commission to ascertain the extent of the need and to devise means of relief.”

Centenary Appreciation for Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“In the centenary year of the birth of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the Baptist World Congress recalls with gratitude and praise the mighty preacher whose God-given powers have been exercised for the healing of the nations, and who “being dead yet speaketh.” Spurgeon gloried supremely in the Cross of Christ, and turned multitudes to his Saviour. Large-hearted and practical, he responded to the appeal of human need, and the Gospel he preached was illustrated by the Orphanage he founded.

The Centenary of the German Baptists

BWA World Congress Resolution 1934.2 107. An Address was given by Prof. C. Schneider, Germany, on the subject: “The Centenary of the German Baptists.” 108. The following Resolution was moved by Dr. J. W. Bradbury, U.S.A.: “The Fifth Baptist World Congress recognizes a...

Appreciation to John MacNeill

The Baptist World Alliance in Session at Berlin, Germany, August the fourth to the tenth; nineteen hundred and thirty-four, wish to express to their President, Dr. John MacNeill, their great appreciation of the warm, sympathetic and inspiring Greeting received from him. They also wish to express their sympathy with him in his present affliction and with his poignant grief in not being able to be with them in their sessions. They rejoice, however, in the assurance that his recovery now seems to be certain. They recognise their great loss in not having his effective leadership at the Congress.

Resolution of Thanks

Dr. Prestridge : It falls to me and is my great pleasure to read these resolutions of thanks. I think that is fitting because for two or three months I have been in daily correspondence,—and sometimes three and four times a day,—with the various chairmen of the committees here, and I know of their labors, of their afflictions and of their patience:

Religious Education of Children in the U.S.S.R.

56. Statements having been made by Drs. Franklin and Rushbrooke as to the position in Russia; agreed that Dr. Rushbrooke be instructed to prepare a resolution expressing support of his protest on the subject of the Russian Government’s attitude on the question of religious teaching of children. This resolution was formulated as follows:—

Rumania and Religious Freedom

10. Rumania. Resolved, after a statement by Dr. Rushbrooke, that the following resolution be sent to the Rumanian Government and afterwards published:—

Baptist Seminaries for Europe

We regard an educational policy as of primary importance for the extension of the Baptist denomination in Europe, and we consider that the establishment or strengthening of Baptist seminaries for the training of pastors and evangelists should be undertaken without delay.

Bibles and Baptist Literature

The following resolutions were passed on the recommendation of the Literature Committee:—
“That we realise the great need of Bibles and hymn-books, and that steps be taken to supply them.”
“That an attempt be made to produce simple literature for the children, including simple exposition and pictures.”

Cooperation with Mission Boards

The following resolutions were adopted on the recommendation of the Committee on Co-operation:—
We fully recognise that all the recommendations of the Conference are subject to the cardinal Baptist principle of the rights of the individual Church and of the consent of the various Baptist Unions and Conventions concerned.

Religious Liberty and Soul Freedom

A resolution on Religious Liberty, drawn up by Dr. Clifford, President Mullins and Dr. Truett, was passed in the following form:—
“It is the sense of this body that in this period of reconstruction and readjustment in the civil and religious life of the nations of the world, following the world-war, it is of the highest importance that full religious liberty should be granted to all peoples who do not now enjoy it.

Persecution of Baptists in Rumania

The Conference Places on record its profound concern at the grave reports of persecution from which our Baptist brethren in Rumania have suffered during the past eighteen months and even within recent weeks; and calls upon the Rumanian Government to undertake a thorough investigation into the facts, and to take decisive action to bring to an end all religious persecution within its territories

Establishing a League of Nations

The representatives of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in London, July 19th to 23rd, 1920, which Alliance has a constituency of eight million Church members, with an additional constituency of adherents several times that number, would submit this message to all the Peoples and Governments of the World.

1923 BWA World Congress Message

The Third Baptist World Congress meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, July, 1923, and representing with few exceptions the Baptists of every country in the world, a constituency numbering ten millions of baptized members, and many millions of adherents, in view of world conditions, and resolutely facing the problems of the future, makes this statement of Baptist principles and purposes to the Christians and peoples of the world.

1928 BWA World Congress Message

1928 BWA World Congress Message Excerpt From the Foreword by J. H. Rushbrooke: It will be observed that the assembly at Toronto has adopted no formal resolutions. It became clear in the course of the week that (especially since the Alliance is not an executive or a...

Rumania (1923)

This Congress, representing the Baptists of the world, records its distress and indignation that the Rumanian Government has failed to secure the rights of religious minorities, and that it has failed to check or prevent numerous acts of persecution on the part of the local organs of administration.

Resolution Congratulating the Baptists of Sweden

Special congratulation was also given on the wonderful progress made by Swedish Baptists in their 75 years history, and on the singular devotion shown in that for every 600 members, they maintain one missionary abroad, thus standing at the head of all lands in this respect.

Thanks for Help in Time of Distress

A resolution of thanks from the many groups of suffering Baptists on the continent, to those who had succoured them, was presented by the Rev. F. W. Simoleit, of Germany, and was accepted.

Temperance (1923)

That this Congress accords its whole-hearted approval of the important work being done in and through the Baptist churches of the world to secure, by the adoption of the principle and practice of Total Abstinence, and by governmental action, the removal of the evils wrought by the use of intoxicating drinks, and the total elimination of the drink traffic.

World Baptist Young People’s Union

That there now be formed the World Baptist Young People’s Union, the aim of which shall be the uniting of the young Baptists in all countries; the contribution, membership and organization shall be discussed and determined by the World Baptist Young People’s Committee.

Russian Delegates

The Baptist World Alliance expresses its gratification that the Russian delegates have been able to attend the Congress, and it welcomes them heartily. It feels that the situation is now more favourable for the carrying out of the original purpose of the College Fund, and it refers the whole matter, including Dr. Cree’s proposals, for the careful consideration of the Executive Committee. The Executive shall be authorized to take any further counsel which may be advisable with the Boards concerned.

International Peace

The members of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Stockholm, recognize with thankfulness that there are many signs of hope on the far horizon, in spite of the fact that the war spirit is still at work among the nations. The sense of the horror and wickedness of war has burnt itself deeply into the heart and conscience of all the members of our churches.

Thanks to Swedish Baptists

Deeply appreciating the painstaking efforts of our Swedish brethren in the long work of preparation for this the third session of the Baptist World Alliance, and mindful especially of the faithful services of love rendered by Dr. C. E. Benander, Dr. J. Bystrom, the Rev. K. A. Modén, and others, who for many months have worked so untiringly for its success, we count it a distinct pleasure to register our cordial thanks. We are sure that nothing has been lacking in the preparations, and that no pains have been spared to ensure the comfort and welfare of the hundreds of delegates in attendance.

Resolution of Thanks

BWA World Congress Resolution 1934.9 187. The Honorary Associate Secretary, Dr. Clifton D. Gray, in speak-ing to the subject, “What this Congress has accomplished,” moved the following Resolution of Thanks on behalf of the Resolutions Committee, with particular...

Resolution on Social Progress

Whereas, We hail with joy the fact that the Baptist World Alliance is giving such a large place to the social aspect of the gospel and the duty of Christian people to human society; and
Whereas, There is a growing conviction that Christianity is to dominate human life in all its relations, that it is Christ’s purpose to bring the blessings of the kingdom into the life of all men and that it is man’s duty to apply Christian principles to existing conditions in human society, and

Regarding Peace

“That this Baptist World Alliance, representing eight millions (8,000,000) and more of Baptists all over the earth, expresses its thankfulness to God for the brightening prospects of the extinction of war and the arrival of universal peace and good will.

The Coronation OF King George V and Queen Mary

That this Baptist World Alliance, representing eight millions (8,000,000) of members, and now meeting in the City of Philadelphia, hereby expresses its joy in the accession of King George V. and Queen Mary to the throne of the British Empire, and begs most respectfully to offer its sincere and hearty congratulations on their coronation in Westminster Abbey, and prays that God will abundantly bless their reign, making it to issue in the increasing happiness and well-being of the people, in the widest sway of justice and purity, in the maintenance and extension of peace, and the promotion of brotherhood and good-will amongst all men.

To the President of the United States

The Baptist World Alliance, in session in Philadelphia, begs to express its respectful greetings to the President of the United States as the Chief Executive of the great Republic within whose borders the Alliance meets. It assures him of its grateful appreciation of the welcome which has been accorded to its members in America. It offers earnest prayer for long and useful years of increasing personal and public service on behalf of the great cause of humanity, and gives thanks to God for his great contribution to the cause of peace.

Baptist Young People

At this, the first meeting ever held in the interest of Baptist young people throughout the world assembled at Philadelphia, June 20, 1911, we, delegates and visitors to the second session of the Baptist World Alliance wish to record our views regarding the work for our young people in the following statement and resolutions:

Report of the Committee on Future Congresses

The report of the Committee on Future Congresses was presented as follows by Rev. L. A. Crandall, D.D., of Minneapolis, who moved its adoption. This was seconded by his Honor Judge W. Willis, K.C., of East Dereham, supported by Rev. J. Clifford, M.A., D.D., of London, and carried unanimously:

Future Congresses

Upon the motion of the President, seconded by Mr. Herbert Marnham, of London, it was resolved:— “That the President is hereby authorised to nominate a Committee on future Congresses with Rev. J. N. Prestridge, D.D., and Rev. J. H. Shakespeare, M.A., as Conveners, which shall report at the Morning Session on 17th July, 1905.

Telegram to King Edward VII

It was moved from the Chair, seconded by Rev. J. N. Prestridge, D.D., of Kentucky, and unanimously resolved to send the following message to His Majesty King Edward VII:
May it please your Majesty—
We, ministers and delegates of Baptist Churches in the United Kingdom, the British Colonies, America, and various other lands, representing over 7 millions of communicants, assembled in the Baptist world Congress, desire to express our joy at meeting in this land so dear to all lovers of religion and freedom.