The New Baptist Covenant was an incredible experience. There were about 16,000 Baptists there representing 31 church organizations, 6 societies, and 16 academic institutions. The central theme was Unity; and based on Luke 4:18-19 we focused onfive specific aspects: Seeking Peace with Justice, Bringing Good News to the Poor, Respecting Diversity, Welcoming the Stranger, and Setting the Captive Free. A number of workshops were offered also on topics ranging from Prophetic Preaching to Responding to Natural Disasters.
In considering this experience we can imagine that it is an onion and has many layers. One layer is the quality of speakers that addressed the audience, the depth of their messages, the diversity of approaches, and the flow of the music ministry. We were blessed by meaningful words from the lips of William Shaw, Tony Campolo, Jimmy Carter, Mariam Wright Edleman, Julie Pennington-Russell, John Grisham, Joel Gregory, Charles Adams, and Bill Clinton.
Another layer to consider is who were there. there were Euro-Americans who’ve embarked in a journey to find themselves and their voice emerging away from some fundamentalist-led structures. There were also african-Americans who have been divided for far too long and are longing to share ministry with each other. Then there was us, American Baptists who knos about diversity probably more than anybody else, and who brought our own pain and need for healing. Reconciliation and unity were prevailing words in the lips of the speakers.
The last layer I’d like to mention, before you get bored and tune me off, is that of the local implications of this new movement. I believe we must concentrate in bringing the so-called ethnic minorities to the front and center of ABCORI life. I believe we must establish concrete collaboratives of ministry with the Black denominations with which they are dually aligned. I believe we must work in cooperation with our Hispanic and Haitian churches to support them in their struggles with the immigration issue. I believe there is a lot to be done in Rhode Island to bring peace and justice to all of God’s people.
You will hear (or read) more about this. Give us your thoughts.
Liliana
22. June 2008 at 06:45
I was glad to come upon this description of the events in Atlanta. I was also there and very moved by the experience. Jimmy Carater is a marvel and he was there constantly and guiding and helping teh meetings. Some great music and preeaching also. I am from Rhode Island but have been working in Cincinnati, Ohio for the past 25 years. I will retire back to RI in South Kingston next year. I would like to meet and be part of a Baptist church that is progressive and interested in the social issues raised in Atlanta. Thanks for this website.