Balkans Reconciliation

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BWA General Council Resolution 1999.2

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Dresden July 11-17, 1999
GIVES thanks to God for the cessation of the military conflict in Yugoslavia and surrounding areas;

RECOGNIZES that the horrific trauma caused by this conflict continues among those who remain displaced or otherwise suffer adverse effects resulting from the military hostilities;

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;

URGES Baptists in the Balkans and in the member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to pursue prayerfully and actively a lasting reconciliation that demonstrates through practical applications the bond of Christian unity that we share as members of the body of Christ; and

RESOLVES to support these efforts through the prayers and appropriate practical actions of the member unions and conventions of the Baptist World Alliance.

Historian’s Note: The Minutes record the following decision:

Emmett Johnson requested that the resolution be amended and this additional paragraph be added: “DEPLORES the action of ethnic cleansing by any group or party.”

Jones advised that any amendments were to be given to the Resolutions Committee by 5pm the previous evening, but he didn’t see any member of the Resolutions Committee that would oppose the amendment.

A General Council member then rose to advise that if there is a rule that any changes to the amendment should be submitted by 5pm the previous evening, then the General Council should not abandon that rule.

Lotz advised that the General Council can adopt the resolution and the press release can reflect that there was a request that the additional paragraph be added.

The motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution 2 regarding Balkans Reconciliation. The motion carried.

Citations

Original Source Bibliography: Lotz, Denton, editor. Baptist World Alliance 1999 Yearbook: Minutes of the General Council Meeting and Directory. McLean, VA: Baptist World Alliance, 1999.

Original Source Footnote/Endnote: Denton Lotz, ed., Baptist World Alliance 1999 Yearbook: Minutes of the General Council Meeting and Directory (McLean, VA: Baptist World Alliance, 1999), pp. 76-77.

Online Document Full Citation: BWA General Council Resolution 1999.2 Balkans Reconciliation; https://baptistworld.org/resolutions.

In-text Online Document Citation: (BWA General Council Resolution 1999.2).

For more information about Baptist World Alliance Resolutions, visit BaptistWorld.org/resolutions.

Since its formation in 1905, the Baptist World Alliance has networked the global Baptist family to impact the world for Christ with a commitment to strengthen worship, fellowship and unity; lead in mission and evangelism; respond to people in need through aid, relief, and community development; defend religious freedom, human rights, and justice; and advance theological reflection and leadership development.