Posted: 10/31/03

Methodist ad rejected for display
on Times Square due to ad content

By Kevin Eckstrom

Religion News Service

NEW YORK (RNS)–One of the world's largest media companies reversed its advertising policies to allow the United Methodist Church to display a glitzy ad in the heart of Times Square.

Thomas Glocer, CEO of the Reuters media conglomerate, said he would welcome the Methodists' ad on his headquarters building in Times Square after several denominations and Christian groups denounced a company policy that banned religious advertising on a 22-story electronic billboard.

An artist's rendering depicts what an ad by the United Methodist Church will look like on the Reuters Building in Times Square. The ad was rejected by Reuters because of its religious content, but the policy will be reversed, Reuters now says.

“You state … your church should be given the same access and opportunity to speak in the commercial marketplace as corporate advertisers,” Glocer wrote to Larry Hollon, head of the Methodists' Nashville-based communications agency. “On reflection, I believe that you are right.”

Reuters officials said they are unclear how long it will take to revise the policy that prohibits ads that are “pornographic, political, religious, libelous, misleading or deceptive in nature.”

The Methodists signed a contract Sept. 23 to run a 30-second video clip on the 11-screen billboard as part of a four-year, $21 million “open hearts, open minds, open doors” ad campaign.

The $30,000 ad was scheduled to air 10 times daily and be seen by 1.5 million passers-by. It was scheduled to start Nov. 15 and run through the end of the month, in part so it could be viewed during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

Steve Naru, Reuters' head of global public relations, said changes don't happen “overnight” and likely will take several weeks. “The fact of the matter is, the policy needs to change and likely will,” he said.

A new contract must be signed before the ad can be posted.

The Reuters about-face came after sharp criticism by the National Council of Churches and communications officers at a dozen mainline Protestant and Orthodox churches.

“If religious speech is banned from the public marketplace, the remaining dialogue will revolve solely around getting and spending,” the denominations said in a joint statement issued Oct. 27. “But life is about more than this. The community of faith should be allowed to say so and let people decide for themselves.”

Reuters originally blamed the mishap on a Toronto company that rents space on the electronic billboard. Company officials said they wanted to maintain Reuters' 152-year reputation for unbiased news coverage.

Glocer, who was traveling when the dispute erupted, said as long as the ad clearly indicates it is not sponsored by Reuters, it would be allowed, “subject to certain limitations.”

Hollon said he is gratified by Glocer's change of heart.

“We asked for fairness and to be given the same opportunity to speak in the commercial marketplace,” Hollon said. “They took us seriously and have responded in a reasonable and balanced manner.”

Posted: 10/31/03

Anglican primates warn U.S. bishops

LONDON (RNS)–Leaders of the Anglican Communion announced they would not discipline the Episcopal Church for its approval of an openly gay bishop, but they warned that Episcopal policies on homosexuality threaten to “tear the fabric of our communion at its deepest level.”

A two-day emergency summit of Anglican leaders produced a warning that the future of the Anglican Communion “will be put in jeopardy” if Gene Robinson is installed as the next bishop of New Hampshire. The service was set for Nov. 2.

The Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of the 77-million-member Anglican Communion, which is led by the archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.

The 37 Anglican primates, or presiding bishops, also rebuked the U.S. church–along with the Vancouver-based Diocese of New Westminster–for allowing the blessing of same-sex unions.

“These actions threaten the unity of our own communion as well as our relationships with other parts of Christ's church, our mission and witness, and our relations with other faiths, in a world confused in areas of sexuality, morality and theology,” the primates said in a joint statement.

The primates, responding to criticisms from the Vatican and some Muslim groups, said the U.S. and Canadian policies do not change Anglican teachings on sexuality. They upheld a 1998 Anglican policy that opposed gay ordination and same-sex blessings and ruled homosexual acts “incompatible with Scripture.”

“We must make clear that recent actions in New Westminster and in the Episcopal Church do not express the mind of our communion as a whole, and these decisions jeopardize our sacramental fellowship with each other,” the primates said.

Still, despite the strong verbal condemnations, the primates did not impose the “severe sanctions” called for by U.S. conservatives.

The primates urged each province to minister to “dissenting minorities” but declined to give bishops the power to bypass traditional lines of authority. Each bishop must respect “the autonomy and territorial integrity of dioceses and provinces other than their own,” the primates said.

The primates asked Williams to appoint a commission to advise the primates on how to proceed and directed lawyers to probe the ties that bind the 38 autonomous churches together.

The focus now shifts to Robinson's consecration service. The primate of the U.S. church, Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold, told reporters he plans to attend.

“I stand fully behind the careful process used by the diocese of New Hampshire to discern who it wished to have as its next bishop,” said Griswold, who voted in August to ratify the New Hampshire election.

The primates held the door open for Robinson to withdraw, following the lead of Jeffrey John, a gay British priest who stepped aside last summer after his appointment as a suffragan bishop in England was denounced by conservatives.

Mike Barwell, a spokesman for Robinson, said Robinson planned to “move ahead” with the ceremony.

Opponents, who have promised to register their objections during the installation rite, said Robinson's withdrawal may be the only thing that can keep the global church intact.

“The statement implicitly calls for the consecration of Gene Robinson to not go forward,” said the Rev. David Anderson, president of the conservative American Anglican Council. “If it does, this statement is clear that there will be significant consequences.”

If Robinson's installation indeed proceeds as planned, the primates said some Anglican churches will declare themselves “out of communion” with the U.S. church–a move that would likely have few practical consequences.

Robinson would, however, not be recognized as a bishop in some U.S. dioceses and most other Anglican churches–including the Church of England, Williams said.

Conservatives hold out hope that Robinson's installation will provoke a more formal “intervention” from sympathetic primates in Africa and Asia. “They did issue a firm and direct warning opening the door to the possibility of intervention,” Anderson said.

One thing seems clear: Conservative parishioners do not appear willing to remain in the church if the status quo holds firm. During an emotional 48-hour gathering of conservatives last week in Dallas, 58 percent of participants said they would leave the Episcopal Church if drastic changes do not come soon.

The Rev. Ian Douglas, professor of mission and world Christianity at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass., said the issue is far from settled in either the U.S. church or the global communion.

“I don't think the Episcopal Church has gotten off the hook on this one, because it's still a very important and ongoing concern that we need to take seriously the impact of our decisions,” Douglas said “Will we continue to be held accountable for our decisions? Yes. And is that a good thing? I think so.”

Posted: 10/31/03

Around the State

Anniversaries

R.E. Lambert, 65th in the ministry Oct. 16. He preached his first sermon at 15 at East Dallas Church in Dallas. He became a pastor at 19 and served churches in Dayton, Killeen and Dallas. He also was director of missions and stewardship for the Colorado Baptist General Convention prior to his retirement to Fort Worth.

Oak Hills Church in Floresville held a noteburning to signify the payoff of the sanctuary extension. The $18,500 note was paid off in eight months. The total cost was $85,000, of which $66,500 was raised prior to completion. Pictured are Stephan Dawson, Pastor Joel Odom and trustees Del Pearson and Eugene Osburn.

Eldon Johnson, 20th as pastor of Ringgold Church in Ringgold.

Walter Haynie, fifth as pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Church in Nocona.

First Church in Rusk, 150th, Nov. 15-16. There will be a chuckwagon dinner and music Saturday evening. Pictures and items from the church's history will be on display. The anniversary will be commemorated during the Sunday morning service as well. Lee Welch is pastor.

First Church in Fabens, 80th, Nov. 23. Former pastor Bud Goodwin will preach in the morning service. Former pastor Ralph Teague will lead the music. Lunch will precede an afternoon service of music, testimonies and words from other former pastors and members. Josue Valerio, director of missions for El Paso Association, will bring a message of challenge. The event will close with a memorial service remembering deceased members. Warren Coffman is interim pastor.

Milton Capps, 15th as pastor of First Church in Bryson.

Leslie Adams, fifth as pastor of Calvary Church in Rockdale.

Events

The Singing Men of South Texas will present a concert at First Church in New Braunfels Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.

Deaths

Gene Hadley, 73, Oct. 12 in Granbury. He began his career as a pastor at age 16 in Tennessee. He continued to be a pastor, and in 1968 came to lead First Church in Granbury, where he remained until his retirement in 1997. He most recently served as interim pastor at Lipan and Greenwood Church in Weatherford. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Margaret; daughters Rebekah North and Sarah Bergen; and five granddaughters.

First Church in Alpine dedicated a state historical marker in conjunction with its 110th anniversary. Shown preparing the site are Allan Pearce and Preston Bonner. Philip McCraw is pastor.

Bill Graves, 86, Oct. 18 in Longview. He and his late wife, Ada, were appointed by the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board to serve in Argentina in 1953. He later served in several administrative roles in the Caribbean. He also was a trustee of the Spanish Baptist Publishing House in El Paso. He retired in 1987. Prior to his missionary service, he directed religious education for First Church in El Paso and Travis Avenue Church in Fort Worth. After the death of his wife in 1956, he married his second wife, Christine, who died in 1979. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; daughter, Sally Gerding; stepson, Paul Basden; step-daughter, Peggy Johnson; and six grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

Fay Van Devender, 73, Oct. 23 in Dallas. She was the retired administrative assistant to Ron Smith, former executive vice president and provost at Hardin-Simmons University. She was the wife of George Van Devender, professor of English emeritus. She retired from the HSU administrative staff in 1992 after 16 years of service. As an executive secretary, she also worked for Jesse Fletcher, former president and chancellor and now president emeritus, and Bill Beazley, vice president emeritus. She was honored in 1980 with a dedication at the annual HSU intercollegiate rodeo. She is survived by her husband; son, William; daughter, Dianne Cruse; brothers, Richard and Clarence Bell; sisters, Jimmie Dewlen, Aldine Pattus, Anna Everett and Dorothy Klostermann; and five grandchildren.

Ordained

Wayne Kirk to the ministry at Marlow Church in Cameron, Oct. 5.

Pete Gaza as a deacon at Marlow Church in Cameron, Oct. 5.

Charles Mobley, Rickie McGough and Wilford Nelson as deacons at Macedonia-Hix Church in Caldwell, Oct. 12.

Duane Galan, Stan Lewis and Rodney Oden as deacons at Baptist Temple Church in Uvalde, Oct. 26.

Tom Greene and Hugh Moore as deacons at First Church in Mineral Wells, Nov 2.

Posted: 10/31/03

Haskell-Knox and West Central Baptist
associations merge to Double Mountain

LUEDERS–Haskell-Knox Baptist Association and West Central Baptist Association have merged to form Double Mountain Baptist Association.

The two associations had been connected previously as Double Mountain Baptist Area, although each association had a separate identity.

On Oct. 19, representatives of each association voted for the merger to make better use of time and resources, reported Cindy Walton, ministry assistant for the new association.

Haskell-Knox Association was formed 97 years ago, and West Central Association was 31 years old.

Kevin Hall, pastor of First Baptist Church of Haskell, preached the annual sermon, calling both associations together in unity.

“In a day and time of such divisiveness in our world and yes, even in our own denomination, we praise God for this new spirit of unity and are excited as we look forward to a fresh start from God for his people in the new association,” Walton reported.

Joe Walton serves as director of missions for the new association.

Posted: 10/31/03

Three to receive missions awards

A West Texas church, a Lubbock ministry entrepreneur and an Amarillo couple will be honored at a Texas Baptist Missions Foundation awards luncheon in Lubbock.

The awards luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Nov. 10 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Towers in Lubbock, immediately prior to the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual session.

First Baptist Church of Plains will receive the Adventurer Award for leadership in missions.

As the church has become involved in hands-on missions under the guidance of Pastor Bill Wright, weekly Sunday School attendance has more than doubled in less than nine years.

More than 100 church members–nearly half the number involved in weekly Bible study–have been trained in disaster-relief work and have served from Mexico to New York. Each year, about two dozen members participate in construction teams on two or more mission trips.

Shirley Madden, founding director of My Father's House Lubbock, will receive the Innovator Award for Creativity in Missions.

Madden, a member of First Baptist Church of Lubbock, founded the city's first Christian Women's Job Corps program at University Baptist Mission. In 2000, she launched My Father's House and established the second Christian Women's Job Corps site in Lubbock.

The Living and Learning Center of My Father's House will add a residential component to Christian Women's Job Corps. Texas Baptist Men Builders worked three months earlier this year, starting construction on the facility. The center will include 18 two-bedroom apartments, classrooms, a commercial kitchen and day care and laundry facilities where women can gain hands-on job experience.

Delbert and Mary Sue Serratt of First Baptist Church in Amarillo will receive the Pioneer Award for Service in Missions.

The Serratts lead ministries related to the International Sunday School department at their church, which includes members from 17 nations. The Serratts have led conferences throughout Texas and the Southwest on ministry to internationals.

Delbert Serratt, a retired pastor and director of missions, has mentored language-church pastors and serves as a resource person for the BGCT intercultural initiatives office. Mary Lou Serratt has been involved in Woman's Missionary Union on the church, association, state and national levels. She also is a facilitator for Cambodian Bible studies for the BGCT Bible Study/Discipleship Center.

Posted: 10/31/03

Darrel Baergen, longtime Baptist
dramatist, dies in Abilene

ABILENE–Baptist professor, playwright, director and producer Darrel Baergen died Oct. 23 in Abilene after a long battle with cancer. He was 68.

Baergen committed most of his career to teaching speech and drama in three Baptist schools.

He began at Oklahoma Baptist University and later taught twice at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, where he retired as chair of the department of communication in 2000. He also was professor and chairman of communication arts at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

During his tenure at Southwestern Seminary, he was director of the Center for Christian Communications Studies, operated jointly by the seminary and the Southern Baptist Radio & Television Commission.

In addition, he taught speech and drama at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos.

Baergen wrote and directed numerous Texas Baptist drama productions. He produced a series of historical cameo vignettes for the Texas Baptist sesquicentennial in 1985. He wrote, produced and directed theme interpretations at several Baptist General Convention of Texas annual sessions in the 1990s. And in 1997, he wrote three one-act plays commissioned by the BGCT Baptist Distinctives Committee.

At the Radio & Television Commission, he produced “Sunshine Factory” and “The Good News,” which aired on the ACTS Network, and he was president of ACTS of Fort Worth.

Baergen won the Frank Sinatra Award for television production from the American Foundation for the Blind for “It was Done.” He was a board member of the Texas Association for the Performing Arts and was named an Outstanding Educator of America.

He earned degrees from Oklahoma Baptist University, Baylor University and the University of Denver.

Baergen is survived by his wife, Judy, of Abilene; sons, John and his wife, Kara, of Dallas and Jeff and his wife, Alisha, of Abilene; daughter, Jennifer Davis and her husband, Scott, of Houston; grandchildren, Gracie, Johnny, Audrey, Rebecca and Rachel Baergen; sister, Phyllis Brandon of Calvert City, Ky.; and mother-in-law, Polly Moss, of Abilene.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Melinda Baergen; sister, Elvira Boyd; and father-in-law, Fred Moss.

Posted: 10/31/03

Barna probes views on heaven & hell

VENTURA, Calif. (RNS)–About three-fourths of Americans believe in heaven and hell, but almost one-fourth say they have “no idea” what will happen after they die, a study by the Barna Research Group shows.

Researchers found 76 percent of respondents believe heaven exists and 71 percent believe there is a hell.

Forty-six percent of respondents said they would describe heaven as “a state of eternal existence in God's presence” while 30 percent said it is “an actual place of rest and reward where souls go after death.” Fourteen percent said heaven is “symbolic,” 5 percent said they did not believe in life after death, and 5 percent were uncertain.

Thirty-nine percent of respondents said hell is “a state of eternal separation from God's presence” while 32 percent said it is “an actual place of torment and suffering where people's souls go after death.” Thirteen percent said hell is “just a symbol of an unknown bad outcome after death.” Sixteen percent said they were uncertain or did not believe in an afterlife.

Just half of 1 percent of adults said they expect to go to hell when they die, while 64 percent predicted they will end up in heaven.

But researchers found many were not so sure of their post-death destination. Twenty-four percent said they have “no idea” what will happen after they die.

Other highlights:

Less than half the people who think they are heaven-bound (43 percent) believe they will get there because they have “confessed their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.” Another 15 percent believe they will get to heaven because they have tried to obey the Ten Commandments, while an additional 15 percent believe they will get to heaven by being a “good person.” Only 6 percent of those who believe they are bound for heaven think they'll get there because God “loves all people and will not let them perish.”

Income and education are negatively correlated with belief in heaven and hell. The more education people get or the more income they earn, the less likely they are to believe heaven and hell exist.

Nearly one in five adults believes people are reincarnated after death.

Americans report contradictory beliefs about the afterlife. Even among those who say they personally will get to heaven solely because they have confessed their sins and are depending on Jesus Christ, 50 percent believe others may get to heaven on good works.

Posted: 10/31/03

BGCT to meet next week in Lubbock

By Ken Camp

Texas Baptist Communications

Messengers from many of the 5,700 congregations affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas will consider a proposed $45.8 million budget for 2004 and elect a full slate of officers when they meet Nov. 10-11 in Lubbock.

“Your Church–Advancing God's Kingdom” is the theme of the 118th annual session of the state convention to be held at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

General business sessions of the BGCT will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10 and from 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 11. A missions emphasis program is scheduled at 7 p.m. Nov. 10.

Before and between general sessions, messengers and guests will have access to a wide range of special-interest conferences.

During business sessions, messengers will consider a recommended $45,800,960 total budget for next year, a 10 percent decrease from the 2003 budget.

The $39.77 million Cooperative Program portion of the budget is a 14 percent drop from the 2003 giving goal of $46,243,902, but it is in line with projected income for 2004, according to David Nabors, BGCT treasurer and chief financial officer.

More than half the $39.77 million recommended Cooperative Program giving plan is budgeted for institutional ministries, including $15 million for 23 schools, hospitals, child and family care ministries and homes for the aging. It also includes $3.8 million for collegiate ministries through Baptist Student Ministry programs on about 100 campuses and $3.4 million for theological education.

The proposed 2004 Cooperative Program budget includes $4.64 million for the BGCT Church Missions and Evangelism Section, including about $1.26 million for new-church support.

During the business sessions, messengers also will consider charter changes for Hispanic Baptist Theological School in San Antonio, authorizing the insititution to change its name to Baptist University of the Americas.

In other business, convention messengers will elect a new slate of officers. Bob Campbell, pastor of Westbury Baptist Church in Houston, is completing his second one-year term as president and is ineligible for re-election. First Vice President Rudy Camacho of Fort Worth and Second Vice President Debbie Ferrier of San Antonio also are completing traditional one-year terms.

Three nominees for top offices have been announced, including two denominational agency presidents and a past president of the Texas Baptist African American Fellowship.

Ken Hall, president of Buckner Baptist Benevolences, will be nominated for president by his pastor, Jim Denison of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas. Hall has served as Buckner's chief executive officer 10 years. Previously, he was pastor of churches in Longview, Midland, Gatesville and Stephenville.

Albert Reyes, president of Hispanic Baptist Theological School, will be nominated for first vice president by his pastor, Charlie Johnson of Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio.

Dennis Young, founding pastor of Missouri City Baptist Church near Houston, will be nominated for second vice president by Marvin Delaney, pastor of South Park Baptist Church in Houston.

This year's BGCT annual meeting features a streamlined schedule, with fewer reports in general business sessions. Instead, BGCT program areas will be highlighted in more than 50 “learning and sharing” breakout conferences that begin at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 10.

Workshops include an open forum with convention officers, a forum with leaders of WorldconneX, and topics such as “Rethinking Blended Worship: Diversity in a Changing Culture,” “Your Total Church Doing Total Missions,” “Making Smart Financial Decisions at Your Local Church,” “Strategies for Tomorrow's Church Leaders” and “No One Looks Good in a Legal Suit: Keeping Your Church Out of Court.”

The 123rd annual meeting of Woman's Missionary Union of Texas will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at First Baptist Church of Lubbock. “Tell the Generations” is the theme of the meeting.

The Texas Baptist Men Convention will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9, in the theater of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. “Men … Advancing God's Kingdom” is the theme of the convention, and key business includes the election of officers. Andy Andreason of McGregor is completing his term as president.

For more information about the annual session program, visit www.bgct.org.

Posted: 10/31/03

General comes under fire for anti-Muslim comments

By Robert Marus

ABP Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (ABP)–Comments by a high-ranking Pentagon official casting America's struggle against terrorism as a Muslim-versus-Christian holy war are causing prominent news outlets to call for a reprimand by the Bush administration.

Meanwhile, some on the Religious Right have stood up to defend Lt. Gen. William Boykin, who is a highly decorated veteran of covert and small-scale American military operations.

William Boykin speaks at the National FAITH Institute Jan. 27-31 at First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Fla. (Kent Harville/BP Photo)

Boykin, as the Pentagon's newly named deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence, sparked nationwide controversy after two news outlets–NBC News on Oct. 15 and the Los Angeles Times on Oct. 16–revealed a series of comments he made to evangelical Christian audiences.

Appearing in uniform, he has repeatedly described the war against terrorism to these groups as a conflict between a “Christian nation” and radical Islamists.

For example, during a Jan. 28 speech at a Southern Baptist evangelism conference at First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Fla., Boykin described his 1993 efforts to capture a Somali warlord who had boasted that Allah would protect him from defeat. “I knew that my God was bigger than his. I knew that my God was a real God and his was an idol,” Boykin told the audience.

In other situations, Boykin has cast American conflicts with Islamic warriors in starkly spiritual terms. Speaking in June 2002 at First Baptist Church of Broken Arrow, Okla., he described an aerial photo he had taken of the city of Mogadishu during the 1993 conflict in Somalia. Noting strange black marks in the sky in the image, the general claimed they were evidence of a demonic presence over the city.

“Ladies and gentleman, this is your enemy,” he said. “It is the principalities of darkness. It is a demonic presence in that city that God revealed to me as the enemy.”

Additionally, Boykin has said radical Islamists hate the United States “because we're a Christian nation”; has described the U.S. Army as “a Christian army”; and has said President Bush was appointed by God “for such a time as this.”

Boykin's job requires him to work closely with intelligence officers from Muslim countries. President Bush and other White House officials have taken pains since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to insist the war on terrorism is not a war against Islam.

However, a recent study released by the White House's own Advisory Group on Public Diplomacy found an overwhelming majority of respondents in nine Muslim countries surveyed perceived the United states as being anti-Islamic.

The day after they published the story revealing Boykin's comments, the L.A. Times called for Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to remove him from his position. On Oct. 21, the Washington Post called President Bush to, at minimum, criticize Boykin's comments in light of the fact he recently rebuked Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad for anti-Semitic comments.

So far, the White House has been silent on Boykin. Rumsfeld and Air Force Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he had not violated any military rules.

Boykin issued an apology Oct. 17, saying his comments had been taken out of context and he never intended to denigrate the Islamic faith or all Muslims.

Regarding his comments on the Somali warlord, Boykin said he had been referring not to the man's Islamic beliefs but to his “worship of money and power” as the “idolatry” that was inferior to Boykin's God.

“I am neither a zealot nor an extremist. Only a soldier who has an abiding faith,” Boykin said. “I am not anti-Islam or any other religion. I support the free exercise of all religions. For those who have been offended by my statements, I offer a sincere apology.”

He added: “I do believe radical extremists have tried to use Islam as a cause for attacks on America. As I have stated before, they are not true followers of Islam. In my view they are simply terrorists, much like the so-called 'Christians' of the white supremacy groups.”

Conservative commentators such as Family Research Council President Tony Perkins have defended Boykin's comments and suggested his critics are attacking the free-speech rights of Christians.

The pastor of the Daytona Beach church where Boykin delivered some of the controversial comments defended Boykin, whom he described as a “dear friend,” in a strongly-worded editorial released Oct. 20 by Baptist Press.

Bobby Welch, himself a military Special Forces veteran, declared: “I despise the unthinkable and asinine fact that some take cheap backstabbing shots at a real God-fearing American hero who continually risks his life to protect all of us.”

But a moderate Baptist ethicist said Boykin's comments seemed to reflect “bad theology.” Robert Parham, head of the Baptist Center for Ethics, said the real question about Boykin was whether his public statements were appropriate for someone in his position.

“Can he be trusted to act in the nation's interest instead of pursuing his own twisted theological agenda?” Parham asked in the Oct. 17 edition of the organization's e-mail newsletter, EthicsDaily.com. “The nation can ill afford a commander who sees the war on terrorism as a war between dueling deities.”

Rumsfeld announced Oct. 21 that Boykin had asked for an investigation of his past comments by the Pentagon's inspector general. The defense secretary again declined to comment on Boykin's statements, and said he would wait for the inspector general's report.

Posted: 10/31/03

Chapman speaks on Boykin, Episcopalians

By Terri Jo Ryan

Special to the Standard

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–Episcopalians fleeing “trendy theology” with the ordination of the denomination's first openly gay bishop would be welcomed into the Southern Baptist fold, said Morris Chapman, president of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.

Speaking in a telephone interview from his Nashville office, Chapman predicted another division of the Episcopal Church USA over the issue of the bishop-elect of New Hampshire, Gene Robinson.

Because of the Southern Baptist tradition of “preaching the strong convictions we have, especially on God's word,” Chapman said, he expects conservative denominations could pick up more followers from people dismayed at their own church's “liberal bent.”

“It's politically incorrect to say the Bible teaches against homosexuality,” he said. “It's not just a matter of lifestyle anymore, but a highly charged political issue. There are major political forces within the homosexual community.”

Chapman visited Waco Oct. 25-26 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of First Baptist Church of Woodway, where he served as pastor from 1969 to 1974. His sermon drew from 2 Timothy 4:1-8, which instructs the early church on the rewards of “fighting the good fight” and “keeping the faith.”

The emphasis of the passage was not as much on the good fight as it was the good life–Paul recognizing how God has blessed him during his life, even as he is greatly persecuted for his faith in God, Chapman said.

“The Bible tells us to contend with the world. While I see flashes of hope, I also see a growing disregard for the word of God.”

President George W. Bush, he said, “has openly testified to his faith in Christ.” But no one president, one congressman, one senator or one preacher alone can bring about a change in the way Christians are being “persecuted in this country,” he said.

Among those being persecuted today, Chapman said, is Gen. William “Jerry” Boykin, deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence. Boykin has testified in uniform in church venues that Islamic fanatics hate the United States “because we're a Christian nation, because our foundation and our roots are Judeo-Christian.”

Just as the Apostle Paul suffered for his public proclamation of the lordship of Jesus Christ, “Gen. Boykin is under assault for being open in his witness for Christ,” Chapman said. Criticism of the general, he added, seems to be “part of a concerted effort to demean Christianity.”

Chapman acknowledged it might have been “unfortunate” that Boykin mentioned Islam, “but his intent was to give the glory to God.”

Christians can rest assured that “we know who will win the battle between good and evil,” Chapman said. “We have seen a lot of young adults who are presenting themselves for missions, saying: 'Send us to the hardest places in the world. We want to go where the gospel is desperately needed. As long as we have breath, we want to proclaim his word.'”

Chapman said he would like to ask every Southern Baptist “to get before the Lord and humble themselves, so we could become the mightiest righteous force for the Lord God in any generation.”

If everyone who calls himself or herself a Baptist truly accepted the “rule and reign of God” in their hearts, “we could see the kind of revival we haven't seen in years sweep the country like a prairie fire,” he said. “It can't be manufactured. We must repent, pray and be ready for the coming of the Lord.”

Posted: 10/31/03

Baptist Briefs

FamilyNet wins award. The FamilyNet original production of "We Shall Not Be Moved" received the golden Emmy statue for outstanding documentary program at the inaugural Lone Star Emmy Awards Gala Oct. 18 in Dallas. The one-hour documentary highlights the role the African-American church played in the Civil Rights Movement. Based in Fort Worth, FamilyNet is a 24-hour television network operated by the Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board.

NCC taps Baptist. Shanta Premawardhana, a Baptist pastor and a leader in interfaith work in Chicago, has been elected by the National Council of Churches as its associate general secretary for interfaith relations and director of the NCC Interfaith Relations Commission. For the past 14 years, Premawardhana has been senior pastor of Ellis Avenue Church in Chicago. He is recognized for his leadership in building relationships across social boundaries that normally divide, for training people in interfaith dialogue and for helping Christians reflect on removing anti-Judaism from the pulpit. Premawardhana is vice president of the Alliance of Baptists

Posted: 10/31/03

BUCKNER IN LUBBOCK: A place to call home

By Russ Dilday

Buckner News Service

LUBBOCK–For more than 25 years, members of the Joy Sunday School class at First Baptist Church of Lubbock have opened their hearts and wallets on the first Sunday of each month to collect a special offering.

Those gifts provide allowance money for children living at Buckner Children's Home in Lubbock.

For 25 years, the same member, class secretary-treasurer Alline Jones, has deposited the money the following Monday and faithfully written a check to the home.

Buckner seniors Barbara Franks, Amber Perez and Vicki Harris are preparing for life on their own in a better way than they could have dreamed.

“Allowances are important to children,” emphasized one member. “As we raised our own children, we allowed them to have money of their own.”

“When we put that money in an envelope, we know it's going to Buckner,” said another. “We're very aware we're giving to missions.”

A third, pulling a well-used bookmark from her Bible, read a passage from it to defend the class's commitment to children: “It will not matter what my bank account was, what kind of house I lived in or what car I drove, the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”

The bookmark was published years ago by Buckner.

Melissa Opheim, administrator for Buckner Children and Family Services of Lubbock, said the allowance money brings joy and satisfaction to the children as well.

“When they receive their allowance, they receive recognition for how hard they've worked all week with their chores,” she said. “We don't know how far a little recognition like that will go.”

While Buckner has services in more than 20 communities across Texas, Lubbock is the site of one of four Buckner residential group homes, a traditional children's home campus. The others are in Beaumont, Dallas and Mission.

Buckner also works in Lubbock through innovative community programs, foster care and after-school programs.

As a life-long Lubbock resident and real-estate agent by trade, Mayor Marc McDougal understands the role Buckner plays in Lubbock.

“I've been around Buckner all my life,” he said. “I'm a member of Oakwood Baptist Church, and I remember, growing up, going over there and taking Christmas presents or clothes.”

At First Baptist Church of Lubbock, a member of the Joy Sunday School class contributes her monthly gift for the children at Buckner.

“They do a lot things,” he said. “We talk (in city government) about doing after-school programs and the need to do more, and Buckner already has them in place. It keeps children off the streets, helps them with their homework and provides them with activities after school. I think that's a very important community service Buckner provides.”

When three housefuls of boys, all residents of Buckner Children's Home, pile out of their vans and cars at First Baptist Church, many of them are teens who come with what Opheim calls a “pretty tough shell.”

However, that shell softens when someone touches their lives, she said. That someone is likely to be a member of the youth leadership team at First Baptist, where Youth Pastor Jimmy Storrie said members determined “early on that we were going to treat the kids at Buckner just like the rest of our kids.”

“We made a concerted effort among our youth leaders to treat them like family,” he said. “They have the same needs as the kids who live with mom and dad–they need someone to love them, they're looking for someone to encourage them, for someone to give them hope, for someone to give them guidance along the way.”

Opheim believes “the moment of transition for our kids is the moment they accept Jesus Christ in their lives. And then the responsibility is to grow that. First Baptist provides those role models for that and the encouragement they need. The kids come down here and fit in, and it's so cool to be a part of this youth group.”

“We're a partner with Buckner,” Storrie said. “They do a great job out there with the kids, and we help with a spiritual connection.”

Some families have had five children graduate from high school, but what about five in one year? That's life at Buckner Children's Home this year, where seniors Barbara Franks, Amber Perez, Vicki Harris, Reba Reed and Billy Thornton are preparing for life after Buckner.

Youth Pastor Jimmy Storrie says the church determined early on to treat the Buckner teens just like any other teenager.

They agree that life changed dramatically for them after arriving on campus.

Harris, a 12-year resident, remembers little of life prior to Buckner. “They took me away at 3. We lived in a shack. We had 10 kids and only two bedrooms. We never did get out. Everywhere we went, we had to walk. Here, I have more room. I get to do more things than I would have at home, and my mom can work for herself instead of 10 kids.”

“When I got here, I didn't care about anything,” added Perez. “I was hurt. I was separated from my parents for no reason, it seemed like to me. But I got used to it. It made me want to change, because I used to be bad. I want to graduate, I want to go to college now. That's one reason I didn't go back home, because I knew if I went back, I'd be locked up right now.”

Franks tells a similar story. “Whenever I came here, I found out that a lot of people thought I was going to be like my mom. She was 14 when she got pregnant, but I don't want to be 14 and have a kid.

“I started going to PAL (Preparation for Adult Living), I started getting help,” she said. “I know if I was still at home, there would be no way I'd go to college. My world has changed. I never had a role model that (showed me) this could be done. I want to prove to myself that it can be done.”