The District of Columbia Baptist Convention (DCBC) has rejected a proposal by the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board to change its structure, saying it would “fragment the organizational frame work of our mission.”
In an October proposal, the board stated its concerns that it had theological differences with some of the more liberal organizations affiliated with the regional group. Unlike other “state conventions” with ties to the Southern Baptist Convention, the D.C. group is triply aligned, also having ties to American Baptist Churches USA and the Progressive National Baptist Convention.
The mission board wanted the D.C. convention to create a position for a board-funded strategist to oversee the board’s funding contributions, which amount to about 32 percent of the regional group’s budget.
“In our opinion, the proposed changes in our organizational structure would segregate our program and staff along denominational lines,” the D.C. group’s executive board said in a formal response adopted March 11.
“Supervising all DCBC staff is the historical autonomous way is the most pragmatic and effective way to effect the mission goals and core values with all aligned national bodies.”
The D.C. group said any mission board money intended for supporting new churches will continue to be distributed only to those intending to cooperate with the Southern Baptist Convention. The D.C. convention also affirmed the partnership it has had with the denomination since 1845.
The mission board also had requested that the D.C. group not promote “cultural festivals that include non-Christian religious organizations.” The D.C. convention responded by saying it doesn’t discourage its churches from participating in interfaith dialogue. It added that collaboration on issues such as racial reconciliation and ministry to the homeless “provides opportunities for Christian witness and dialogue among non-Christians.
(RNS)
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