The Southern Baptist North American Mission Board (NAMB) has expanded its prohibitions regarding the endorsement of chaplains to include those who participate in any kind of “charismatic manifestations.”
Trustees of the board met in early February in Alpharetta, Ga., and approved a new “Endorsement Manual for Chaplains and Counselors in Ministry.”
The manual, a consolidation of policies and guidelines that have for the most part existed already, includes the requirement that “no person who is actively participating in or promoting glossolalia (speaking in tongues) hold endorsement as a Southern Baptist chaplain or counselor.” The policy was expanded to include “any other charismatic manifestations.”
James W. “Skip” Owens, chairman of the agency’s Chaplains Commission, said the rules in the manual will apply to newly endorsed chaplains and counselors and those seeking periodic renewal of their endorsement, reported Baptist Press, the news service of the Southern Baptist Convention.
During their meeting, trustees also affirmed the decision by NAMB President Robert E. Reccord to withdraw funding from the Atlanta Baptist Association after the association allowed two churches that affirm homosexuals to remain in fellowship.
That decision means 12 missionary positions at the Atlanta Association will no longer receive funding from the North American Mission Board after the end of 2001. (RNS)
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