Baptist Scholars issue Statement

From the Baptist World Alliance--

Leading Baptist theologians and scholars from around the world issued a statement committing themselves to “enact convictions and practices evident in the historic walk of early Baptists.”

The declaration, which came at the end of the seventh Baptist International Conference on Theological Education (BICTE), held in Prague in the Czech Republic, calls on Baptists to read the Bible, live exemplary Christian lives, nurture the Christian community, and, in attending to justice issues, to engage and “redeem the powers.”

The “Report and Declaration,” as the document is called, stated that “participants were particularly challenged to consider how their institutions could address the contemporary ecological crisis, the exploitation of women and children,” and to be receptive to “a radical spirituality that is open to fresh winds of the Spirit.”

This openness includes welcoming “from our many cultures and contexts new insights in the form of diverse enactments of our common Baptist way of life.”

In addition, the 121 participants from 34 countries pledged to “uphold the sacredness of all life,” while “actively demonstrating our faith by respecting and caring for God's creation.” The group, comprising Baptist educators, pastors, practitioners, and theologians, repented “for our failure to advocate for those who are abused, impoverished, and marginalized.”

BICTE, an international conference planned by the Baptist World Alliance, and normally held every five years, took place at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague from July 26-29.