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 of the devastation and horrors and suffering of war and of the catastrophic threat of nuclear war in this space age;

Rededicate ourselves, in our individual lives, and in our association together as churches and conventions, to endeavor to carry out the biblical injunction to “seek peace and pursue it.”

Reemphasize the Baptist concepts of freedom of individual conscience and of the worth and inherent rights of each human being;

Call upon the statesmen of the world to intensify their efforts and to take initiatives for peaceful and just solutions of international disputes and differences, and toward that end, to

—strengthen and improve the United Nations,
—make the United Nations universal in the representation of all peoples,
—seek agreements for the limitations of both offensive and defensive strategic weapons, —seek 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,

—encourage all efforts for peace by way of international conferences,

—strive for justice and fullness of life for all people of all races, contribute toward the progress of all peoples in overcoming hunger and disease and poverty.

We cry out against the continued tragedy of the conflicts in Indochina and the Middle East and urge that the killing be stopped.

We plead for renewed and inspired moves for solutions and for peace in these difficult and dangerous areas; and

We pray for divine guidance to help all humanity find and follow the path of peace.

We appeal to all Christians that they may hear the voice of wisdom and unite in fulfillment of the precept of our Lord Jesus Christ, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Citations

Original Source Bibliography: Bryant, Cyril E., editor. Reconciliation Through Christ: Official Report of the Twelfth Congress, Tokyo, Japan, July 12-18, 1970. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1971.

Original Source Footnote/Endnote: Cyril E. Bryant, ed., Reconciliation Through Christ: Official Report of the Twelfth Congress, Tokyo, Japan, July 12-18, 1970 (Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1971), pp. 251-252.

Online Document Full Citation: BWA World Congress Resolution 1970.1 World Peace and Reconciliation; https://baptistworld.org/resolutions.

In-text Online Document Citation: (BWA World Congress 1970.1).