The NCC will remain in New York through “satellite offices” for three senior program staff: Dr. Joseph Crockett, associate general secretary, Education and Leadership Ministries; Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, associate general secretary, Faith & Order and Interfaith Relations; and the Rev. Ann Tiemeyer, program director, NCC Women’s Ministries.

NCC Transitional General Secretary Peg Birk will join Cassandra Carmichael, head of the NCC’s Washington Office, and Shantha Ready Alonso, director of the NCC’s poverty initiative, in the Council’s offices at 110 Maryland Avenue, an ecumenical center owned by the United Methodist Church.

Rev. A. Roy Medley, general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA), was elected president elect of the National Council of Churches in 2011, and remains active with the organization. He will succeed to the presidency on January 1, 2014, and will serve as president through December 31, 2015.

The decision to consolidate operations in Washington followed a feasibility study by staff to determine “where the NCC can best achieve its work, providing the flexibility required by the new structure” Birk said.

The study followed a report last year by an NCC Governing Board Task Force on Revisioning and Restructuring the NCC. “The decision to consolidate operations in Washington provides flexibility for future possibilities concerning the location – or locations – of the Council,” said NCC President Kathryn Lohre.

“The critical NCC policy work can be coordinated from any location but to be the prophetic ‘voice of the faithful’ on the ground in the places of power, it is best served by establishing our operations in Washington,” Birk said. The long-run savings of the consolidation in Washington are projected at between $400,000 and $500,000, according to Birk.

In the 1960s, the National Council of Churches occupied three floors of The Interchurch Center in New York, in addition to its offices at 110 Maryland Avenue in Washington.

The NCC was the impetus in the planning of The Interchurch Center, which opened in 1960. The Interchurch Center was conceived as the “Protestant Vatican on the Hudson” when President Dwight D. Eisenhower laid the cornerstone in 1958.

Over the years, however, many church denominations moved their headquarters outside New York, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the United Church of Christ.

“It is important that we honor this moment with reverence and respect for the Council’s history as an iconic presence in the beloved ‘God Box,’” said Lohre.

“It is equally important that we look with hope upon this new chapter in the Council’s life,” Lohre said.

“This consolidation will free us from the infrastructure of a bygone era, enabling us to witness more boldly to our visible unity in Christ, and work for justice and peace in today’s rapidly changing ecclesial, ecumenical and inter-religious world.”

Since its founding in 1950, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA has been the leading force for shared ecumenical witness among Christians in the United States. The NCC’s 37 member communions — from a wide spectrum of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Evangelical, historic African American and Living Peace churches — include 40 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations in communities across the nation.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.

During the meeting with 6 representatives from various desks related to Burma, the delegation addressed five main concerns: 

1)  the continued military offensive against the Kachin and the state of the peace talks;
2) the abuses of women and children by the military, especially the rape of women and the recruitment of child soldiers;
3) ongoing religious persecution of Christians –especially the desecration of churches;
4) the imposition of sanctions against the military; and
5) the future of the camps along the Thai-Burma border.

Florence Li, national coordinator and Asian churches strategist with the American Baptist Home Mission Societies said, “The meeting was very productive and the conversations exchanged will impact the U.S. government in their engagement process with Burma. It was well understood that the Kachin people together with other ethnic minority people groups will continue to stand for their human rights and religious freedom through their solidarity.”

The delegation met with the state department officials who were interested in the first-hand accounts members of the delegation offered.  There was a lot of give and take of information as the conversation developed.

“We are very fortunate to have Rev. Florence Li of ABHMS who compiled a workbook with a great deal of information about our concerns that was distributed to the officials present,” remarked Dr. Medley. “In addition, the first-hand accounts that our delegation was able to give were well received.   Our visits are important for the information and perspectives we offer and for the visible concern of American Baptists that we represent.

Members of the delegation included:  Aundriea Alexander (ABHMS), Raimundo Barreto (BWA), Rothangliani Chhangte (BWA), Saw Ler Htoo (Karen leader), Duh Kam (Chin leader); Zauya Lahpai (Kachin leader); Hkadin Lahtaw Lee (Kachin women); Florence Li (ABHMS), Gam San Maung (Kachin Alliance),  Naw San Dee KD (Kachin leader), Stan Murray (Inernational Ministries).

The Youth for Youth program, based out of Greenville Baptist Church in Greenville, RI, is addressing the problem of bullying directly.  Their mission is “to support and create youth developed and facilitated programs that educate and inspire youth to combat intolerance, bullying and violence, including date violence.”  In partnership with their local Home Depot, they have created a series of Living Murals to tell the stories of bullying and inspire dialogue. These integrated murals use monologues written by victims to foster empathy for all involved in the tragedies of bullying. They also develop community among the young writers, actors and visual artists involved.

Greg Rubano, a retired teacher and former Rhode Island Teacher of the Year finalist, directs the group.  He hopes that the murals will travel the state to churches, Y’s, schools and similar venues. One presentation will be inside Home Depot. Rubano sees the mural presentations as high visibility community building events worthy of support by foundations, businesses, and concerned individuals. He is currently directing the Living Murals creation at Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts (TAPA), a charter school in inner city Providence.

Youth for Youth was created in response to the inspirational leadership efforts of RETHINKIT, whose mission is to address issues of youth violence.  Originally funded in 2010 by a grant from American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island, RETHINKIT is a youth facilitated ministry coming out of South Providence Neighborhood Ministries.  Last year alone, RETHINKIT statewide presentations were heard by over 4,000 youth and their families and leaders.

Many of the RETHINKIT presentations are done for free, and so both groups need to find support to pay for costs. This year, as they did last year, the two groups are coming together to co-sponsor a bowling fund-raiser, “We Must Step Up Now,” which will also include a tribute to the Newtown victims.

Youth for Youth is intentionally non-sectarian and open to all.  The problems and consequences of violence pervade all areas of our communities, and should be addressed by a broad spectrum of the community. In fact, as the program has grown, it has expanded its reach beyond high school students to also include young adults in the 18-29 year old age range and older adults, including grandparents. Some have not been in a church since they were children. Interestingly, the group is considering renaming itself All For Youth. 

Some of the members are survivors of bullying; all have a passion for helping others.  All agree that the response to violence must be action.  Youth for Youth provides a model of commitment and hope on the part of the youth themselves. Attempting to defuse violence by promoting an understanding of the methods and desperation of those who bully, the group seeks to give the victimized the voice they deserve.

Rubano often quotes Mother Teresa: “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

Initiatives such as Youth For Youth show the love of neighbor that God requires of us all.

“Greenville Baptist Church, which houses Youth For Youth, is a wonderful mission driven church dedicated to peacemaking and community building. The church members, the Mission Board, and Pastor Wendy have been inspirations to all of us,” said Rubano.

ABCUSA President – Rev. Don Ng

ABCUSA Vice President – Rev. Judy Fackenthal

ABCUSA Budget Review Officer – Paul Higgins

At a time when the twenty-first century African American church is increasingly associated with the controversial prosperity gospel, Ayers and Williams remind black church leaders of the historic and prophetic call to “do justice.”

Within these pages, readers will discover the transforming impact the church can have on society, culture, and community through

• Understanding the history of the black church’s social justice contributions and leadership
• Recognizing today’s need for justice ministries in the congregation and community
• Learning from real-life ministries and initiatives
• Using sample training manual materials, “Doing Justice” and “Our Vote”

Dr. Iva E. Carruthers, General Secretary of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference says, “Ayers and Williams have creatively woven and penned their personal convictions, theological reflections, and ministry experiences into an educational and practical resource for clergy and lay leaders.”

The new release is among the featured African American titles currently on sale at judsonpress.com during the month of February. This resource makes an excellent complement to Judson Press’s 2012 release by Rev. Dr. Debra J. Mumford, Exploring Prosperity Preaching: Biblical Health, Wealth, and Wisdom.

Danielle L. Ayers is Minister of Social Justice at Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, where she has mobilized more than 1,000 individuals in the Dallas community around Jena 6 and served as lead on the Annual Faith Summit on Poverty. Ayers is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Urban Affairs and a certificate in Law and Public Policy from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Reginald W. Williams Jr. is Pastor of First Baptist Church, University Park, Illinois. Previously, he served as Associate Pastor for Justice Ministries at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Rev. Williams holds a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.

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Yes, friends, ABCUSA can boldly and humbly and thankfully share some good news that a growing list of generous donors from across the country, together with our ABC ministry partners, have joined in the financial journey because they have grasped the vision of Transformed by the Spirit (TbyS). It is a vision of renewal that provides a way for our ABC congregations to work together in a discernment process to help ABC reclaim our heritage as pioneers and to be reshaped by participating in a discovery process to follow the voice and leading of the Spirit. One of our Executive Ministers, Robin Stoops, ABC of Nebraska, commented on a particular impact of TbyS in his region. In working on a ministry project with a group of persons, he noticed that the group began falling back into the old school kind of negative thinking regarding infrastructure issues. But, “the introduction of TbyS into the conversation unleashed a whole new burst of energy, resulting in an exciting paradigm shift. The group reframed its approach,” said Rev. Stoops, “and its energy is now focused on capturing the ministry potential of our people, not on the matter of construction and buildings. It was refreshing to experience this shift to a more positive focus.”

Truth be told, ABC has not been engaged in a financial campaign since the 1980s, and when we attempted to conduct another one in early 2003 the recommendation of the consultants was “no campaign because of the current Baptist culture.” Our faithful God continued to walk with us through the years, and guided us across that long wilderness. Today a fresh wind of the Spirit is blowing, and ABC people from across the country are encouraging us financially even beyond our expectations. A retired ABC pastor became so excited with the TbyS initiative that he offered a valuable suggestion (and we are taking him up on it) to reach out to retired executives and pastors of key churches and ask them for a gift of $500.  We are experiencing the formation of a new culture of philanthropy that is beginning to help ABC live into its God-given mission.

Let’s be more specific. Two years ago, we set a total goal of raising $800,000 to sustain the TbyS initiative through the June 2013 Mission Summit/Biennial in Overland Park, Kansas. Our four national partners (ABCUSA, ABHMS, IM and MMBB – together with AB Women’s Ministries) seeded their commitment with a combined financial investment of $205,000 as a base for raising the goal. This generosity was in itself a most tangible display of unity. About MMBB’s contribution, Executive Director Sumner Grant, said, “God is doing a new thing in our midst. I am excited to be part of it.”

Last December one donor responded to a solicitation with a gift of $50,000. Other donors have heard the good news about the progress being made through Transformed by the Spirit and have sent additional contributions. These contributions added generously to the end-of-the-year expected and unexpected gifts we received. Money is talk$ng, and the financial momentum is growing as TbyS is helping us to fund and become more intentional, strategic and committed to assisting ABC congregations become vital communities of faith and witness.

Another way to look at the blessings and excitement inspired by TbyS is the cost benefits to the denomination. At least 29 ABC regions (from a total of 33) have joined together in this denomination-wide journey. Many of our key ABC leaders have become trained as coaches, team leaders and group facilitators. Some of our congregations have already begun testing new insights and specific activities that are transforming them. They are also finding ways to connect with the emerging generations among them and to look with new eyes at the cultural and ethnic changes in their communities. In Oregon, for example, the ministry of discipleship is taking center stage around the issue of congregations becoming more effective through intentional reconnection with the communities where they live. Through the process of working with a coach, interviews, various readings and connecting with other churches, they are beginning to discern the relationship between a faith community and the particular needs of surrounding neighborhoods. The kind of pastoral leadership necessary to be successful in these areas is also emerging as vital components on the journey. Yes, money is talk$ng!

Ultimately, we seek to seed TbyS in the soil of every congregation engaged in this discernment process of empowerment. It is our hope that seeds will fall on good ground and take root, and vibrant, missional congregations will emerge and grow as strong fruit-bearing trees in their communities. As of this writing, our Fundraising Team can report that 79 individual donors and 7 churches, regions or groups have pledged a total of $302,121. They have given to date a total of $191,541. Their generosity is talking! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! We are passionate about this task and excited about God’s work among us through TbyS. We worship a God of transformation and invite you to join us and become one of the donors whose financial support becomes part of the new language of hope and renewal in our American Baptist family as we serve as the hands and feet of Christ.

The ABCUSA Fundraising Team
January 31, 2013

Holmstrom:  Leo, Last year you participated in an initiative at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., what was that all about?

Thorne:  I was invited to be part of a Working Group of religious leaders to be involved in conversations surrounding the Secretary’s Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society.

Holmstrom:  Could you be a little more specific about what this Working Group was assembled to do?

Thorne:  Yes, I will be happy to do so.  Secretary of State Hillary Clinton launched the Dialogue in February 2011 to elevate the U.S. engagement with partners beyond the state and to build a framework for civil society’s involvement in policymaking.   In other words, the State Department desires to initiate continuing dialogue with religious leaders and other members of civil society that informs U.S. foreign policy and foster common partnerships with the NGO community. 

Over the past year, civil society has played a critical role in events around the world, and the Dialogue has provided a model for how governments and civil society can work together to shape policy and advance the common good.  It was made clear to us that the Strategic Dialogue was designed to elevate the importance of the U.S.  Department of State’s work with civil society and underscore the Department’s commitment to protect and defend civil society around the world.  This was an unprecedented step by Secretary of State Clinton of organizing a Religion and Foreign Policy Working group in her Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society.

Holmstrom:  How many groups were formed?

Thorne:  There was one large Working Group of over 100 persons.  Then there was a sub-division into five smaller Sub-Groups.  I self-selected to be a member of the Sub-Group on Religion and Foreign Policy.

Holmstrom:  Was this the only division of the group?

Thorne:  Approximately twenty-five civil society leaders (20 domestic/5 international) were invited to comprise the Core Group of the Working Group on Religion and Foreign Policy. This core group was designed to provide guidance for the four other thematic sub-groups, which were created to address specialized issues.

Holmstrom:  What were the names of the four thematic sub-groups you mentioned?

Thorne:  These groups were identified as Religion in Foreign Policy and National Security; Religious Engagement and Conflict Prevention/Mitigation; International Religious Freedom: Advocacy to Combat Religious-Based Violence and Human Rights Abuse; and Faith-Based Groups and development and Humanitarian Assistance.

Holmstrom:  Was there any involvement from the White House in the Working Group? If so, who was involved?

Thorne:  The Working Group was co-chaired by Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Maria Otero; Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Suzan Johnson Cook; and Joshua DuBois, Special Assistant to the President and Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. This group was designed so that its members would sit on the Federal Advisory Commission, which will receive and make decisions on the final report of the Working Group. 

I should add that in October of 2011 there was an Opening Plenary at the Department of State when all the groups involved in this undertaking came together to learn of the purpose, timelines, direction and future of its deliberations.

Holmstrom:  Where did you meet over the course of your meetings? Did they take place at the Department of State?

Thorne:  There were a couple meetings in different rooms of the State Department, and group members were invited to host meetings outside Washington.  These so-called “field trips” would allow for Department of State officials to meet in authentic settings and hold conversations with key people in those host areas.  During the year and a half of the meetings of the Working Group, some of the members were invited to attend a Global Town Hall Meeting hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.  This meeting, which I attended, was held at the Benjamin Franklin Room of the Harry S. Truman Building.  Let me quickly add that ABCUSA proudly hosted the Sub-Group on Religious Freedom at our Valley Forge, PA offices in April, 2012.

Holmstrom:  Yes, I remember that meeting at the Mission Center in Valley Forge.  Can you give me some details and explain what was discussed, for those who might not be familiar?

Thorne:  The meeting was held on April 17, and General Secretary Roy Medley welcomed the group to the Mission Center.   Sub-Group Co-Chairs, Dr. Chris Sieple, Working Group Senior Advisor and president of the Institute for Global Engagement and Ambassador Johnson Cook, were among other State Department officials present for the day-long meeting, in addition to persons from ABC.  As hosts, ABC was invited to give a presentation on Burma in which the denomination had established missionary work through the Judsons since 1814.  American Baptists Rev. Saw Ler Htoo, pastor of Calvary Baptist Christian Fellowship in Washington DC, Rev. Florence Li, director of Asian Ministries at American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), and Rev. Rothang Chhangte, then ABHMS liaison for Burma refugees, addressed the issues for Burmese immigrants in other Southeast Asian countries. They urged the committee to consider the question, “how can we work on this issue, and work together to make changes for the immigrants?”

Attendees heard from and interacted with one another on topics including the challenges faced by refugees in Burma and in the United States, their legal status, lack of education and employment, medical care, forced displacement of minority religious and ethnic groups within Burma, attacks by the military on some churches in the Kachin State, censorship of certain words in the Christian text, and lack of access by non-Buddhists to government jobs, among other topics. 

This Valley Forge meeting represented another important piece of ABC’s strategic involvement with the Department of State and the White House on issues involving Burmese refugees.  The Board of General Ministries and the General Secretary have sent official letters on separate occasions to President Obama and Secretary Clinton soliciting their positive action with regard to the plight of refugees in Burma.

(View the Press Release  from April 2012, written about the meeting at the Mission Center)

Holmstrom:  What do you believe to be one of the greatest challenges that faced the Sub-Group on which you served?

Thorne:  On several occasions, the group mentioned the point that they had served on different task forces, focus groups, community forums, and the like, only to have a report placed on the shelf without any meaningful action and follow-up taken as a result of serious work.  The group was concerned that its work would suffer the same fate.  Another issue was the uncertainty about the results of the 2012 Presidential elections and a possible change in leadership.

Holmstrom:  How did the Department of State address these concerns?

Thorne:  On the latter point, there could be no forecasting of the results of the election.  On the former point, the group was assured that the Department of State was committed to seeking ways to  make as soon as possible any implementable policy changes that were appropriate, even before the final report was submitted. 

Let me add that as the word regarding this innovative strategy of involving civil society in government policy shaping spread, several other countries began conversations with the U.S. Department of State on ways of adopting this creative idea into their own governmental workings.

Holmstrom:  I know that some matters like these involving government policies at such a high level have to be handled with some measure of diplomatic caution.  But can you point to a specific example of what some of the deliberations might accomplish?

Thorne:  Let me just say that the U.S. Department of State began taking a hard look at how its foreign staff was being trained as they readied themselves to work abroad, given the pervasive influence of religion worldwide.  In many places around the world, understanding religion is imperative to understanding the local civil society.  Four out of five people on the planet believe in something greater than themselves. Accounting for and systematically engaging the role of religion and religious communities in societies worldwide not only shows respect for the local population, but it also provides a touchstone of insight across all of society’s spheres and sectors, suggesting the potential for understanding and collaboration.  We could, therefore, point to revision in the curriculum offered to State Department staff officials, making more comprehensive training in religious issues more of an imperative.

Holmstrom:  Can you share something about what were some of the issues addressed in the final report of the Working Group?

Thorne:  Just briefly, let me say that it was a significant opportunity to come together with other religious leaders from across the country, and the world, for that matter, and engage ourselves in  important matters surrounding religion and religious liberty on the global stage.    As American Baptists, we have been on the forefront of working with Religious freedom as one of our core ministries. 

The final report presented to the Federal Advisory Committee involved matters concerned with the need to allow some version of the Religion and Foreign Policy Working Group continue as an advisory committee.  It was interesting for the Sub-Group members to learn that while the White House and 12 executive branch U.S. government departments have offices for faith-based engagement, the Department of State does not.  In addition, the report offered that the Department of State should institutionalize a mechanism that serves religious communities worldwide.

Holmstrom: Is there anything else that you would like to add following this experience service on the Department of State Working Group?

Thorne: Religious freedom has always been and continues to be a central issue for us as American Baptists.  As such, it was a privilege to  serve as an ABC staff person with such a broad community of religious leaders from around the world  on such an important matter.  The experience was a good one.  I must also add that  we continue to be grateful to Ambassador Johnson Cook, one of our own ABC clergypersons, for her work on our behalf.  It is my hope that the U.S. Department of State will continue to prioritize this innovative approach of engaging civil society in its policy formation on religious issues.

Holmstrom: Thank you for meeting with me and answering my questions about this important Working Group project.

The event was dedicated to the Memory of Holocaust Victims, organized by the Tolerance Center and the Jewish Foundation “Lea” in the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia.  The organizers were very grateful for the participation of the American Baptist delegation in the event. 

The first such Mission Encounter is coming up from February 18-22, 2013, and the theme is “Let Your Voice Be Heard: Advocacy and Faith.”

Learn about what the Bible has to tell us about advocating for the “orphans and widows” in our midst. Find out about the powerful heritage of advocacy in American Baptist life. Hear from women who have heard the call to advocate on particular issues in their communities. Discover tools to help you do advocacy through your local newspaper, online, and visiting the halls of power. “Let Your Voice Be Heard” will inspire and equip you to use your voice on behalf of the voiceless. Interested persons must register by February 14, 2013.
Click here for more information on this virtual mission encounter.

 

• Fun, interesting, and thought-provoking activities that you can do within the normal schedule of your day (website scavenger hunts, prayer walks, questions for reflection, etc.). Every evening of the encounter you will receive an email outlining several options for activities for the next day. You may choose from the activities as your time and interest allows. Activities are generally planned to take about a half hour to complete.
• The opportunity to meet others online who share your passion for mission—build connections, develop networks, and make friends. There will be an online discussion group where you may offer your reflections spurred by the activities and discuss your experiences with other encounter participants as your time and interest allows. This online group will only be accessible to registered virtual mission encounter participants.
• Evening conference calls: Every evening of the virtual mission encounter includes the opportunity to speak with someone directly engaged in the area of ministry being studied that day, as well as your fellow encounter participants, through a conference call. As a paying registrant, you may participate in as many of the conference calls as you like during the virtual mission encounter for which you’ve registered.

Registration Cost
$30 per person, per virtual mission encounter. Register and pre-pay for all four virtual mission encounters at the same time and receive a discount: pay only $90. Click here for more information.
Future Mission Encounters

Second Virtual Mission Encounter: May 13-17, 2013
“For I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me: Immigrants and Refugees”
Register by May 9, 2013

Third Virtual Mission Encounter: September 23-27, 2013
“Garlands instead of Ashes: Domestic Violence”
Register by September 19, 2013

Fourth Virtual Mission Encounter: November 4-8, 2013
“For I Was in Prison and You Visited Me: Prison and Aftercare Ministries”
Register by October 31, 2013

American Baptists and the Legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

1986 was the first year in which Dr. King’s birthday was recognized as a national holiday. Because of his identification with American Baptists, our denomination continues to have a unique opportunity and responsibility to keep before ourselves and the rest of the nation the deep roots of the Christian faith which were the foundation and inspiration of his philosophy and action.

Dr. King was a committed Christian and a Baptist. He graduated from Crozier Theological Seminary. His teachings and actions were based on biblical ideas as interpreted by Baptist tradition. His life reminds us of the struggles for freedom in our heritage.

The theme of justice was foundational to Dr. King’s actions and was based on the concept that all persons are valued and are precious to God. Through the years, American Baptists have been committed to justice as they have worked with people who have been hurt by the injustices in our society and around the world. Today that theme continues to be a priority in American Baptist programming.

In recognition of and gratitude for the life and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in awareness that it is important to keep his ideas before us and our nation and in recognition that he was an American Baptist minister, the General Board of the American Baptist Churches USA:

1. Calls upon all American Baptists to celebrate annually Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by:

a. thanking God for the life and witness of Dr. King.
b. participating in biblical study, reflection/action about the love ethic as exemplified in Dr. King’s writing and actions.
c. retelling and keeping alive the story of Dr. King’s faithful courage and struggles for freedom as a challenge to our ongoing ministries.
d. witnessing in the midst of the secular community, as American Baptists or in concert with other people of faith, to the biblical principles of Dr. King’s message so that these will be highlighted as the broader community celebrates Dr. King’s birthday.

2. Calls upon the national boards, the regions, and the churches of the American Baptist Churches USA to provide appropriate events and resources to support and challenge American Baptists as they recognize and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Click here to view the full resolution.