The Alliance of Baptists will meet later this week in Austin, Texas to celebrate the small progressive denomination’s 25th anniversary:
We began as a dissenting voice in Baptist life 25 years ago. Today we are the many voices of progressive Christians around the world seeking to respond to the continuing call of God in a rapidly changing world.
With about 3000 individuals, 150 endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors, 29 local and global mission partners, 2 theology schools and 135 congregation partners the Alliance is committed to ecumenism, partnership in mission, radical hospitality, and social justice. Learn how to be a part of this vital denominational movement today.
For more background, see my history of the Alliance of Baptists featured on their website.
This week, the Alliance will consider nine separate statements on various social issues. Here’s a sampling of those proposed statements:
A Statement on Stopping Violence and Injustice Against Transgender Persons
We need further to acknowledge that many of these persons are our brothers and sisters in Christ and that all are part of creation loved by God. Finally, we need to remember that Jesus told us that as we do to the least, we also do to Him. Consequently, when we stand in solidarity with the transgender victims of violence and injustice, we also stand in solidarity with the Christ who suffers with them.
God rejoices when we celebrate our sexuality with holiness and integrity. We invite our colleagues and faith communities to join us in promoting sexual morality, justice, and healing.
Statement Regarding the Unjust Killing of Trayvon Martin
The disturbing events that led to Martin’s death should serve as an eye-opening moment for all of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus. Trayvon’s death raises serious questions about gun violence and how justice is administered in our nation – questions that must be addressed.
A Statement Against Gun Violence
We encourage Alliance of Baptists members and congregations to discern how God may be calling us to reduce gun violence in our home communities.
Statement on Justice in Palestine and Israel
We encourage our members and congregations to pray for peace with justice in The Holy Land and partner with Jews, Muslims, Christians, and other people of conscience working for corporate accountability, human rights and an end to Israel’s illegal occupation.
*A proposal to endorse “A Statement of Conscience of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture” (see here)
To our beloved partners in the Fraternity of Baptist Churches of Cuba, we pledge our commitment to strengthen ties by every means at our disposal, including our continuing prayers for their well-being and our untiring efforts as citizens of the United States to effectuate the needed changes in our nation’s policies toward Cuba.
Priorities for a Faithful Budget
*A proposal to endorse the Faithful Budget Campaign document
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