BWA General Council Resolution 2024.1
The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Lagos, Nigeria, July 7-12, 2024:
AFFIRMS as Christians, we are called to demonstrate our love for God by loving our neighbors, an ethic
echoed throughout the scriptures (Leviticus 19:18, 34; Matthew 22:36-40, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:25-37;
Romans 15:2; James 2:8). We also believe God cares for those who are vulnerable (Deuteronomy 10:18;
Psalm 68:5; Psalm 146:9) and urges us to do the same (Exodus 22:22; 23:6; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy
15:7, 11; Jeremiah 22:3; Matthew 25:35).
ACKNOWLEDGES current estimates that around 700 million people in the world1—including more than 23
million Baptists—are affected by hunger, increasing in recent years due to global systemic issues like
poverty, economic injustice, personal and corporate greed, climate change, war, and racial and gender
inequality.
RECALLS that BWA General Council Resolution 1979.1 identified the scourge of world hunger as many of
the world’s peoples are threatened by starvation due to famine, war, and natural disaster. We also recall
that since 1905 the BWA has spoken up for human rights and freedom and against manifestations of
racially or religiously inspired injustice by adopting over 60 resolutions or statements.
UNDERSTANDS our human family experiences hunger, poverty, and interrelated issues in a variety of
ways, requiring contextual awareness to love and serve one another.
RECOGNIZES addressing structural and systemic changes are necessary to eliminate hunger and poverty
disparities. This includes developing, prioritizing, and proactively implementing solidarity and capacity
building programs with local governments, policy makers, entrepreneurs, and farmers to create
opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
STANDS with Indigenous peoples and other marginalized communities in safeguarding their lands, forests,
and resources from illegal or corrupt acquisition by governments and multinational corporations (BWA
General Council Resolution 2023.1).
ADVOCATES for and with peoples who have been historically colonized as they pursue the development
of a social, economic, cultural, and political future that erases poverty and hunger.
URGES churches, unions, and other institutions to identify ways to lament, repent, reconcile, and
transform individuals and structures, speak out against all forms of prejudice, and engage in theological
reflection, dialogue, and advocacy concerning ending hunger and poverty throughout the globe.
RECOMMENDS Baptists study the annual BWA Baptist Vulnerability Index to support our global family
living in the most vulnerable and challenging countries in the world as defined by hunger, livelihood,
violent conflict, and religious freedom challenges.
SUPPORTS Baptist World Aid and Baptist World Alliance Forum for Aid and Development as they
collaborate and facilitate with Baptists around the globe in addressing issues of world hunger and poverty.
1“State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World,” 2023,
https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a69f5540-6ee7-43f4-a8ef-9eb7b3e7b677/content/cc3017en.html.