Peace and Peaceful Change

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BWA General Council Resolution 1982.6

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.

We name our Christian commitment to Shalom and to a Kingdom of God perspective exposing social injustice and inviting change toward more justice as an alternative to violence and war. We pray that the world Baptist community will accept courageously its Christian calling as peacemakers (Matt. 5:9) and interpret the calling as a pro-active as well as a reactive stance. We recognize that the willful destruction of human life and human values must be opposed.

We are grateful that both the Baptists of the Argentine and of Great Britain and Ireland kept alive the oneness in Christ despite other differences they may hold and prayed for one another.

We voice a concern over acts of terrorism, assassinations, and the taking of hostages all of which have posed potential threats to peace and stability, as well as being unconscionable assaults upon the individuals concerned.

Citations

Original Source Bibliography: Claas, Gerhard, editor. Baptist World Alliance 1982 Yearbook: Minutes of the General Council Meeting and Directory. Washington, DC: Baptist World Alliance, 1982.

Original Source Footnote/Endnote: Gerhard Claas, ed., Baptist World Alliance 1982 Yearbook: Minutes of the General Council Meeting and Directory (Washington, DC: Baptist World Alliance, 1982), p. 75.

Online Document Full Citation: BWA General Council Resolution 1982.6 Peace and Peaceful Change; https://baptistworld.org/resolutions.

In-text Online Document Citation: (BWA General Council Resolution 1982.6).

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.