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.
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.
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.
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...
Resolution on Peace
Whereas the Baptist World Alliance in 1934, 1939, 1947 and 1950 has already declared itself unalterably opposed to racial discrimination in every form; and
Whereas, in this Congress of the Baptist World Alliance representatives have gathered from more than sixty countries representing many nationalities and races;
Resolution on Race Relations
Whereas the Baptist World Alliance in 1934, 1939, 1947 and 1950 has already declared itself unalterably opposed to racial discrimination in every form; and
Whereas, in this Congress of the Baptist World Alliance representatives have gathered from more than sixty countries representing many nationalities and races;
Final Resolution
This final session of the Jubilee Congress of the Baptist World Alliance rejoices to record an attendance of over 8,500 delegates, representing Baptist communities in every continent and over sixty lands. It welcomes in particular the participation of a delegation from the Baptists of the Soviet Union.
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 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 on Religious Liberty, Human Rights, World Peace and Public Morality
BWA World Congress Resolution 1975.1 Whereas, in the providence of God, religion and life are joined together, andWhereas, the Bible teaches that God is concerned and leads his people to be concerned about both individuals and society, and Whereas, during the past...