VALLEY FORGE, PA (12/2/20)—In June 2020, in response to public movements within the United States and abroad protesting against racial injustice, the CEO & Executive Director’s Council of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, also known as International Ministries (IM), issued a statement denouncing racism. The statement reiterated IM’s historical and present commitment to “stand against the sin of racism, and with those who suffer its consequences” and its “unwavering conviction that genuinely following Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord calls for self-examination, repentance, and renewed determination to stand against and seek the transformation of our own culture’s racial and ethnic injustices.”

On November 17, 2020, IM’s Board of Directors adopted a formal resolution concerning racial justice. This resolution is the culmination of months of reflection and prayer concerning IM’s past practices and forward vision concerning the biblical mandate to “advocate for and embody God’s mercy, love, and justice in the world” through tangible and redemptive action. The resolution affirms fifteen commitments that IM will purposefully pursue as an organization and sets forth the biblical basis for these commitments.

It is the sincere belief and conviction of IM’s Board that in this unique and important moment in history, the voices, hands, and feet of God’s people must actively participate in the continuing outcry and battle against racially motivated injustice in the United States and in the world.

The full text of the resolution can be viewed here https://www.internationalministries.org/im-board-of-directors-adopts-resolution-on-racial-justice/

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.