Without Controversy

In the Nov. 22 issue of The Alabama Baptist, the editorial corresponded with Joe Godfrey’s comment in the Montgomery newspaper the same week — that the 2001 state convention was calm and without controversy. There were probably several reasons for this calmness. You suggested several but you did not list the most obvious. The ones who might disagree or raise issues just don’t attend. If I were to attend, I would attend alternate meetings for fellowship and information. I have found throughout the years that all decisions are made behind closed doors prior to the convention so why bother.

Calmness is no longer a guarantee that all is well. It could show a lack of interest and a lack of support. Attendance down 15 percent could be an indicator of this.

My decision not to attend did not come suddenly, but throughout many years as the Southern Baptist Convention has changed and the state convention follows. I have been a Southern Baptist and an Alabama Baptist for more than 50 years and an Alabama pastor for 35 years. Very painfully I finally decided that to stay home at convention time is best.

James Greene
Montgomery, Ala.