Former BWA president Joao F. Soren dies

WASHINGTON — Joao F. Soren, a former president of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) and one of the premier pastors in Brazil, died Jan. 3.

Soren was the first non-American or European to serve as president of the BWA when he was elected to a five-year term in 1960. As vice-president of the BWA in 1955, he preached the official sermon of the 9th Congress of the BWA in London during the 50th anniversary of the organization. The BWA will celebrate its 100th birthday in England in July 2005.

Soren served 51 years at the First Baptist Church of Rio De Janeiro, where he was pastor emeritus.