VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 10/1/09)—President of American Baptist Churches USA Mary Hulst has appointed a task force on bylaws to develop “A way forward,” following the affirmation of the General Board Executive Committee at its August meeting.

The task force will work to assess feedback from the 2009 Biennial in Pasadena, specifically focusing on issues that were brought forth due to constructive evaluations.

It will also recommend moderate adjustments that are aligned with delegate feedback and develop a strategic plan leading up to the 2011 Biennial in Puerto Rico for constituent education and communication.

The task force will not exceed 25 members, and will include pastors and lay representatives from across the denomination.  It will also include the president of each of the national boards, one national staff member, the president of the regional executive ministers council, and representation of recognized ethnic caucus groups.

The presidential task force will meet in Denver, Colorado on October 21-22, compiling a report to present to the General Board at its November meeting. 

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.