Baptist University of the Americas applies for BWA membership_112904

Posted: 11/24/04

Baptist University of the Americas applies for BWA membership

SAN ANTONIO—Baptist University of the Americas has applied for associate membership in the Baptist World Alliance.

At its July meeting in Seoul, South Korea, the Baptist World Alliance General Council amended the international organization’s constitution to allow associate membership.

The new membership category was created “to involve Baptist churches and organized Baptist groups in the global ministry of the Baptist World Alliance through prayer, the sharing of resources and participation in the meetings, congresses and conferences of the Baptist World Alliance,” the amendment stated. “The ministry of churches, organized Baptist groups and the Alliance are all strengthened through this intentional partnership.”

Albert Reyes, president of Baptist University of the Americas, likewise viewed having his institution as an associate member of the BWA as mutually beneficial, as well as a way to make a statement of solidarity in support of the alliance and its member bodies around the world.

“I have stated numerous times that Baptists are at our best when we cooperate with each other,” said Reyes, recently elected president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

“I cannot imagine any other stance to take than to say we stand together with the millions of our Baptist brothers and sisters around the world.”

Arnie Adkison, vice president of advancement at Baptist University of the Americas, noted associate membership in the BWA also provides “incredible opportunities” for his school’s students. Ninety percent of the theological university’s student body is Hispanic, and 25 percent is international, he noted.

“BWA is the logical global organization for Baptist University of the Americas to participate with,” he said.