BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP)–Christine Gregory, national Woman's Missionary Union president from 1975–1981, died Jan. 22, in Danville, Va. She was 89.

She served on the 1980s Southern Baptist Peace Committee that studied the controversy between conservatives and moderates. She also served as vice president of the Baptist World Alliance and as first vice president of the SBC.

"Christine was always a source of encouragement and support for the work of WMU both past and present, as well as to me personally as I have visited and communicated with her throughout my years of service," said Wanda S. Lee, executive director/treasurer of national WMU. "WMU has been blessed throughout its history with strong, missions-focused national leaders. Christine was no exception as she followed in that path, leading WMU through times of expansion. She leaves a great legacy for today's leaders in WMU to follow."

As WMU president, Gregory served alongside Carolyn Weatherford Crumpler, executive secretary of national WMU (1974–1989).

"She became my best friend," Crumpler said. "We traveled to so many places … she was so down-to-earth, comfortable with all people, and always ready to make them feel comfortable with her. Christine's husband and sons were never neglected as she traveled. She was an example to all women, and we are grateful for her life and ministry."

Crumpler described her friendship with Gregory and her many contributions to WMU as "a blessing."

"She led with a positive approach, and faced any opposition that came her way with determination and a smile," Crumpler added.

Born to Willis L. Burton and Bessie Hollingsworth on Apr. 15, 1921, Christine Burton (Gregory) described herself as plain, even ordinary. But what others noted was her extraordinary devotion to missions.

In her childhood home of Greenville, S.C., Gregory enjoyed piano and voice lessons, but she also witnessed her family give to those in need. She grew up observing her mother setting aside money in a sugar bowl for missionary offerings, carrying food in a basket to the needy in their community, and reading Royal Service (now Missions Mosaic) magazine for missions involvement.

On her 12th birthday, her father gave her a Bible. Later, while attending Girls' Auxiliary (now Girls in Action) at church, she wrote in her Bible that she was "committed to doing whatever God wished about service in missions" — a commitment she honored.

When Gregory went off to Winthrop College in Rock Hill, S.C., she became president of the school's Baptist Student Union. After college, she worked as a teacher in Cowpens, S.C., for one year, and following that, became promotional secretary for First Baptist Church of Greer, S.C. Her responsibilities included maintaining the financial records of the church, the educational program and the youth program.

For four years she taught seventh grade at Greenville Junior High, and on Aug. 20, 1948, she married Clemson graduate A. Harrison Gregory when he returned from World War II. The couple moved to Danville, Va., where Gregory's husband had accepted a position at the Dan River textile company.

At age 38 with three young sons, she became WMU president of First Baptist, Danville. In 1961, she became associational WMU director, and in 1968, she served as missions action chairman for Virginia. When the then mother of teenagers became concerned that she was doing too much, her husband reassured her. With that extra boost, it was not long before Gregory was elected as president of Virginia WMU, and therefore served on the executive board of national WMU (1971–1975).

Gregory was elected as president of national WMU and served from 1975–1981. During her tenure, she not only maintained her focus on order and organization, but she also selected missionaries and leaders who would provide a variety of perspectives for the WMU organization and publications.

After she retired, she was elected as first vice-president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the first woman to hold that particular office, and the third woman ever to hold a convention office, according to WMU. In 1982, she was nominated to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary's board of trustees and also became adviser to Averett College in Danville. The school had awarded her an honorary doctorate in 1976.

From 1981–1983, she served on the SBC Annuity Board to help study its church pension plan. She described her service on this committee as a "most significant" opportunity because the board was able to provide secretarial and janitorial workers in churches with fair pensions. Also in 1983, she was awarded another honorary doctorate, but this time by the University of Richmond.

In 1987, Gregory authored the book "I Can Be a Mirror: My Role in Mission Action and Personal Witnessing." She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Danville until her death.

Gregory was preceded in death by her husband and is survived by three sons: Harrison Burton Gregory of Marietta, Ga.; Eugene Allen Gregory of Casonova, Va.; and Joel Patrick Gregory of Danville, Va.

• Justin Bindel to First Church in Wichita Falls as minister to senior high students.

• Josh Graff has resigned as youth minister at First Church in Nixon to enter the U.S. Navy’s chaplaincy program.

• Chase Hinson to Handley Church in Fort Worth as pastor.

• Robert McGee to First Church in Kenedy as minister of music and education.

• Sam Midgett to First Church in Wichita Falls as minister to sixth grade and junior high students from First Church in Longview, where he was minister to students.

• Norma Rodriquez to First Church in Smithville as children’s director.

• K.J. Ross to First Church in Runge as youth minister.

• Brandon Self to First Church in Wichita Falls as contemporary praise and worship leader, where he had been interim.

• Brad Williams to First Church in Smithville as church administrator and education director.

• David Williams to First Church in?Paducah as pastor from Seventh Street Church in Ballinger.

Moral climate poor, Americans say. Three out of four Americans grade the country’s moral climate at a “C” or below, according to a recent poll. The Public Religion Research Institute/Religion News Service poll found Americans older than 65 (46 percent) are more likely than adults under 35 (25 percent) to grade the country’s moral climate with a “D” or an “F.” The poll found that half of Americans rate the country’s moral climate as the same as other industrialized nations; 22 percent thought it was better; and 24 percent thought it was worse. The PRRI/RNS Religion News Poll was based on telephone interviews of 1,006 U.S. adults between Jan. 13 and 16. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

British YWCA drops Christian affiliation. The British branch of the YWCA has dropped “Christian” from its official name because it “no longer stood for what we are or what we do,” the women’s charity has announced. After 155 years, the Young Women’s Christian Association will now be known as Platform 51, the charity said in an announcement carried on its website. The organization said its new name “more accurately represents what we are or what we do—51 percent of people are female, and girls and women use us as a platform to have their say.” According to the Daily Mail newspaper in London, the name change underscores a growing rift between the charity’s members in England and Wales and the global YWCA. The newspaper quoted YWCA spokeswoman Sylvie Jacquat at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva as saying none of the YWCA’s other 124 branches around the world are contemplating a similar change.

Religious leaders praise new Cuba policy. Faith leaders with long-term ties to Cuban organizations hailed a change in White House policy that reduces limits on religious travel to the island nation. The White House announced Jan. 14 President Obama had directed changes that include permitting religious organizations to sponsor trips through a general license. The administration also will create a general license that permits remittances to religious institutions in Cuba that support religious activities. Michael Kinnamon, general secretary of the National Council of Churches, called the change “an important first step toward more just and open relations between the U.S. and Cuba.”

–Compiled from Religion News Service

• Dallas Baptist University will hold a preview day Feb. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Prospective students will eat breakfast with current students, tour the campus and hear from several faculty members. DBU will waive the application fee for students who apply that day. Parents will participate in information seminars on financial aid, campus life, parent services and the application process. For more information, call (214) 333-5360.

• Bell Association and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor church relations department are sponsoring a seminar related to the 2011 Winter Bible Study, “A Study in Galatians: Truth and Grace” Feb. 15. The seminar will be repeated Feb. 19 so bivocational pastors may attend. UMHB Christian studies professor Tony Martin will offer a study of Galatians from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. John Witte, retired pastor and professor at UMHB, will explain how to preach and teach Galatians from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Both sessions will be in the Bell Association office on the UMHB campus. Lunch will be served on Tuesday and breakfast on Saturday for $5 per meal. Books will be available for purchase. Make reservations at bba9129@ sbcglobal.net or (254) 939-0761.

• The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will feature Joshilyn Jackson during the annual Writers’ Festival set for Feb. 17-19 in the Brindley Auditorium of the York Science Center. The literary festival is open to the public. Registration and admission fees are based on events attended. Jackson will present the George Nixon Memorial Lecture Feb. 17 in Brindley Auditorium at 7 p.m. Jackson is a novelist who has been on the New York Times Best Seller list. To register, request information or apply for the master classes, contact Jessica Hooten by e-mail at jhooten@umhb.edu or call (254) 295-4692.

• Carol Nave, Houston Baptist University organ performance alumna and Indiana University doctoral candidate, will be the featured organist at a March 4 organ recital at HBU. The 30-minute recital will begin at noon.

• Alto Frio Encampment’s spring senior adult camp will be held April 18-21. James Semple will be the preacher, D.L. Lowrie the Bible study leader, and Dale Durham and Ginger McKay will lead the music. For information on cost and lodging options, call (830) 232-5271.

• Jesse Burleson has been named head football coach at Hardin-Simmons University. He has been offensive line coach at HSU the last five seasons and assistant head coach since 2008.

The San Marcos Baptist Academy barn, an 80-year-old campus landmark, will be restored through a grant from the Texas Pioneer Foundation. The barn houses animals used in the school’s 4-H program and the school’s equestrian program. Fred Markham (right), president of the Texas Pioneer Foundation, joined 4-H/Equestrian Director Tricia Raimondi and SMBA students.

• The Howard Payne University Model United Nations team participated in the National Model U.N. Europe 2010 Conference in Olomouc, Czech Republic. The 12 HPU students represented Austria and The Netherlands during the simulation of the United Nations. Students participating in the conference included Josh Rice, Joshua Muse, Shawn Hodge, Kathryn Burns, Kathryn Barrackman, Scott Perkins, Matt Peisker, Liz Rodgers, Callie Ellis, Zachariah Lundy, Brittany Luns-ford and Nick Rayburn. Sponsors of trip included HPU faculty members Justin Murphy, dean of the School of Humanities, professor of history and director of the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom; Matthew McNiece, chair of the department of history and associate professor of political science; and Jennifer McNiece, assistant professor of political science.

Anniversaries

• Russell Polson Jr., fifth, as pastor of Rayburn Park-way Church in Bronson, Jan. 1.

• C.P. Floyd, 10th, as pastor of East Cisco Church in Cisco, Jan. 2.

• Second Church in La Grange, 25th, Jan. 16. Ellis McKinzie is pastor.

• Keith Brister, 15th, as pastor of First Church in Duncanville, Feb. 1.

• Stan Ortner, 30th, as pastor of First Church in Bremond.

Deaths

• Billy Chambers, 77, Oct. 27 in Fort Worth. He was a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was pastor of Oran Church in Graford and First Church in Ranger, as well as churches in California, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Louise; sons, Joseph and Mark; daughter, Carol Black; and six grandchildren.

• Troy Martin, 83, Jan. 12 in Gholson. He retired from the Owen-Illinois Glass Plant after 42 years. He was a charter member and past chief of the Gholson Volunteer Fire Department. He was a deacon and longtime member of First Church in Gholson. His particular passion was Royal Ambassadors. He began the program at Gholson and attended every local RA meet and state congress from 1975 until 1999. He also was instrumental in building the church’s parsonage and sanctuary. He served as Training Union and Sunday school director. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Gwen; and brother, Travis. He is survived by his sons, Jeffrey and Russell; sister, Dardanilla Gummelt; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

• Don Zackary, 66, Jan. 15 in Dallas. He worked at Dallas Baptist University as director of financial aid since 2002. He was a member of First Church in Keller. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lynda; daughter, Christy Storska; and three grandchildren.

• Roy Lee Williams Jr., 90, Jan. 17 in Abilene. A Hardin-Simmons University graduate, during World War II, he was a chaplain’s assistant. After the war’s end, he enrolled at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and served as minister of education, music and youth at Diamond Hill Church in Fort Worth. He was minister of education and music at First Church in Arlington from 1949 to 1953 before becoming minister of education at First Church in Wichita Falls and then First Church in Houston, where he served until 1964. From 1964 until 1988, he was director of church services for Union Association, and served the association as interim executive director in 1989. In retirement, he preached and ministered in several Houston-area churches and was a volunteer chaplain at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. In 1998, he moved back to Abilene, where he was a member of First Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary Lou; sons, Marvin and Hollis; brother, Stanley; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

• Jeff Matthies, 38, Jan. 22 in Fredericksburg. He was featured in a 2006 Baptist Standard story concerning his need for a double lung transplant due to cystic fibrosis. His father, Alan, is a chaplain at Hill Country Memorial Hospital in Fred-ericksburg and formerly was a chaplain at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. He is survived by his wife, Kari; son, Andrew; parents, Alan and Pam; grandfather, Herschell Matthies; and brother, Jimmy.

• Bob Jenkins, 83, Jan. 23 in Dallas. A graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he was pastor of Whitehall Church in Gatesville, Arcadia Park Church in Dallas, First Church in Cooper, Temple Church in Amarillo, First Church in Levelland and Hampton Place Church in Dallas. He was director of missions for Smith Association from 1982 to 1995. While serving in that capacity, he led volunteers on mission trips to Brazil, Mexico, Kenya, Tanzania, Australia, Estonia, Czech Republic and Georgia Republic. He also was active in prison ministry. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Florine; sons Byron and Glenn; daughters, Vivian Powell and Robin Mojica; and six grandchildren.

• Earl Johnston, 95, Jan. 24 in San Antonio. He was pastor of Alamo Heights Church in San Antonio, Palm Heights Church in San Antonio and First Church in Los Fresnos. He also was associate pastor at Baptist Temple in San Antonio and minister of pastoral care of First Church in San Antonio. His wife, Mauriece, was Texas Woman’s Missionary Union President from 1972 to 1976 and from 1980 to 1984. He is survived by his wife of 72 years; son, James; two granddaughters; and four great-grandsons.

Events

• First Church in Blanco held a reception marking the 100th birthday of H.B. Ramsour, second president of what now is Baptist University of the Americas, Jan. 11. Ramsour assumed leadership of the school in 1960 and led the conversion of ownership to the Baptist General Convention of Texas from San Antonio Assoc-iation in 1962. He also helped the school acquire additional land and erect several buildings before his retirement in 1976.

Licensed

• Clayton Rogers to the ministry at Union Valley Church in Nixon.

Ordained

• Dave Stone to the ministry at Central Church in Luling.

• Rickey Loyd, Scott Sarine and Chip Vaughn as deacons at First Church in Sulphur Springs.

• Gary Knight as a deacon at First Church in Belton.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) — India's Supreme Court amended a ruling upholding a life-in-prison sentence for two men convicted of murdering a Baptist missionary and his two young sons 12 years ago by removing language that critics said appeared to condone vigilante violence intended to "teach a lesson" against proselytizing among the nation's tribal poor.

On Jan. 21 the Supreme Court upheld life sentences for Dara Singh and Mahendra Hembram. They were convicted of burning Staines, 58, and his sons Philip, 9, and Timothy, 7, alive while they slept in a van outside a church in Koenjhar district of Orissa, eastern India, on Jan. 22, 1999.

Declining to reinstate the death penalty for one of the killers, the 76-page judgment stated that "there is no justification for people committing conversions on the premise that one religion is better than the other."

In a paragraph explaining why they declined to reinstate a death penalty awarded by a jury in 2003 but commuted to life sentences two years later, the justices opined:

"In the case in hand, though Graham Staines and his two minor sons were burnt to death while they were sleeping inside a station wagon at Manoharpur, the intention was to teach a lesson to Graham Staines about his religious activities, namely, converting poor tribals to Christianity."

The language prompted protest among Indian Christians, who claimed it "de-legitimized" their constitutional right to profess, practice and propagate their faith. One group wrote an open letter Jan. 25 objecting to "gratuitous observations" and language "that seems to acknowledge vigilante action of criminals like Dara Singh who take upon themselves ‘to teach lessons’ to persons serving lepers and the poor."

Bowing to the pressure, the court changed its reasoning to the fact that 12 years has passed since the act was committed and that it could find no reason to enhance the sentence "in view of the factual position discussed in earlier paragraphs" of the ruling.

Staines moved to India from Australia in 1965 and for 34 years ran a leprosy home in the Mayurbhanj district about 900 miles southeast of New Delhi. Fanatic Hindu groups accused Staines of using the home as a cover for proselytizing, but independent investigations following the murders did not turn up any evidence that was true.

Church groups blamed growing intolerance against Christians in Orissa, the same state where violence against Christians broke out again in 2008. Neville Callam, general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance, condemned those attacks and pledged to "respond meaningfully to the needs and concerns of those who have suffered and will make the appropriate representations to make the case for respect for religious freedom in India."

In 1999, then BWA General Secretary Denton Lotz attributed the Staines' slayings to "religious intolerance and fanaticism, not only in India, but worldwide."

"Baptist Christians need to be in the forefront of defending religious freedom, but more than this, we must teach our own people the need for tolerance and respect for one another's cultures and traditions," Lotz said. "We must discuss with leaders of various religions the need for dignity respect and peaceful coexistence."

A BWA spokesman did not respond to a request for comment in time to be included in this story.

–Bob Allen is senior writer for Associated Baptist Press.

FORT WORTH—If Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary wants to buy a disputed piece of property from Tarrant Baptist Association for fair market value, the association may consider selling, according to a motion the association’s executive board unanimously approved Jan. 24. Otherwise, the matter will need to be submitted to a three-member arbitration panel.

Southwestern Seminary notified Tarrant Baptist Association before Christmas it had six months to vacate its offices on the edge of the seminary campus. The seminary asserted the association was in violation of its affiliation agreement—in part because of perceived toleration of homosexuality by some member church or churches.

But while Tarrant Association Moderator Al Meredith contends the seminary lacks authority to take unilateral action, he expressed hope the situation can be resolved—either by the seminary purchasing the property from the association or by submitting the dispute to an arbitration panel.

Meredith, pastor of Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, repeatedly underscored his desire that the association’s longtime fraternal relationship with the seminary be maintained.

Southwestern Seminary officials did not respond to e-mail or phone calls requesting a response for this article.

The association office received a registered letter from Southwestern Seminary Dec. 10. The letter stated the association was in violation of its 1997 affiliation agreement, and it directed the association to vacate its property on James Avenue within six months. It also stated title on the property should revert back to the seminary.

In 1982, the seminary provided Tarrant Baptist Association land and the funds to build its office building, granting a 99-year lease on the property, Meredith explained. At that time, the seminary and association entered into an affiliation agreement stipulating the property would not be used for commercial activity, and the association and seminary would commit to remaining in theological harmony, he said.

In 1997, the property agreement was renegotiated, and Tarrant Baptist Association received the deed to the property, he said. “The affiliation agreement remained intact,” Meredith added.

According to the agreement, if any disagreement should arise between the association and the seminary, the matter should be resolved a three-member arbitration panel with one seminary representative, one associational representative and one party mutually agreed upon by both parties, he noted.

On Dec. 20, three associational representatives—Moderator-elect Meredith, Moderator Bobby Bridges and Leadership Development Director Becky Biser—met with Seminary President Paige Patterson and some of his staff to discuss the situation.

“We had a lengthy and amicable discussion,” Meredith said in an interview.

He noted during the discussion, Patterson commented that had learned information he did not have when the original Dec. 10 letter was delivered. He agreed to consider the matter further and discuss it with the seminary’s attorneys.

However, a letter from Southwestern Seminary he received Jan. 18 indicated the seminary planned to pursue its claim on the property.

Tarrant Baptist Association’s executive board subsequently met a few days later and unanimously approved a motion authorizing the board’s executive committee to consider selling if the seminary wants to purchase the property from the association for fair market value and if the committee considers a sale in the association’s best interests. If not, the issue should be submitted to a three-person arbitration panel.

In a Dec. 21 letter to pastors in the association, Meredith noted specific areas in which the seminary claimed the association was not in compliance with its affiliation agreement:

• Toleration of homosexuality. While the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message takes a clear position against homosexual behavior, the seminary contends the association has a church or churches that do not comply with the statement of faith on that matter. “They feel this places them in a contradictory situation,” Meredith’s letter stated.

The Southern Baptist Convention cuts its historic ties with Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth in 2009 over its perceived acceptance of homosexual members. Last year, Broadway also withdrew its affiliation from the Baptist General Convention of Texas rather than face a challenge

• Placement. The seminary asserted it had asked for—and had not received—assistance from the association office in helping students and faculty gain access to empty pulpits in the association.

Meredith also noted the seminary expressed the need for additional office space or a welcome center that could be housed in the offices Tarrant Association occupies.

“We hold the deed. We believe the property to be ours,” Meredith said in an interview. “If the seminary needs the building, … we would be willing to talk about selling it to them for a fair market value.”

Meredith acknowledged he was disappointed by the seminary’s response. Even so, he insisted he and other associational leaders would continue praying for a win/win situation.

“If Tarrant Baptist Association wins and Southwestern Seminary loses, the kingdom of God loses. If Southwestern wins and the association loses, the kingdom loses. The matters of the kingdom are greater than either the seminary or the association. My prayer is that we do nothing to bring reproach on the name of Christ,” he said.

“Tarrant Baptist Association has enjoyed a longstanding fraternal relationship with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and we want that to continue.”

Editor’s note:
This article has been revised based on additional information.
The headline and first paragraph previously read:

–This article is a revision of an earlier story posted here .

Wayland research receives first patent. Wayland Baptist University’s School of Math and Sciences received final patent approval just before the end of 2010 for research in photo-catalytic water purification—the first patent for the university. The process to remove pollutants from water resulted from student summer research projects in the Wayland chemistry department, originally submitted for patent consideration in 2008. While the original researchers have moved on to advanced study and other positions, the research and future applications remain with Wayland.

Baylor Nursing School receives grant for scholarships. Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing has been selected for a grant from the Helene Fuld Health Trust that will provide scholarship funds for undergraduate nursing students. The grant—$600,000 over three years—will establish and maintain an endowed scholarship fund for current and future students enrolled in the program.

CLC chief honored. Capitol Inside named Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission Director Suzii Paynter Austin’s top lobbyist for causes. Paynter, who finished second in the rankings two years ago, leads the commission’s advocacy efforts in Austin. The commission has taken the lead for decades in fighting the expansion of gambling across the state. Despite the repeated efforts of throngs of pro-gambling lobbyists, the CLC and its coalition partners continue pointing to the economic and moral shortfall of expanding gambling across the state. Working with other groups, the CLC also is fighting to close a loophole that prevents payday lenders from charging exorbitantly high interest rates. The CLC also has pushed for efforts to care for children, especially hungry children across the state.

Scholarship endowed at UMHB. Members of the John Harold Shannon family dedicated an endowed scholarship in his memory at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.  Shannon was a member of First Baptist Church in Killeen, where he was a Bible study teacher, Sunday school superintendent and chairman of the deacons. His widow, Pat Shannon, is a 1953 UMHB graduate and trustee of the university.

Southeast Texas strategist named. The Baptist General Convention of Texas has enlisted Bruce Peterson to serve as congregational strategist in Southeast Texas. Peterson served as pastor of South Park Baptist Church in Alvin from 1991 to 2009. Prior to that, he served as associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Corpus Christi from 1983 to 1991. He served as interim pastor of First Baptist Church in Dickinson from Nov. 2009 to June 2010. Peterson has served in numerous roles for the Gulf Coast Baptist Association and ministered in a variety of ways through chaplaincy, including with the Alvin Police Department and following the 2005 Texas City BP explosion. 

Editor's Note: This story has been updated and revised here.

FORT WORTH—Tarrant Baptist Association’s executive board met Jan. 24 and unanimously approved a motion asking Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary either to purchase a disputed piece property from the association at fair market value or submit the matter to a three-person arbitration panel.

Southwestern Seminary notified Tarrant Baptist Association before Christmas it had six months to vacate its offices on the edge of the seminary campus. The seminary asserted the association was in violation of its affiliation agreement—in part because of perceived toleration of homosexuality by some member church or churches.

But while Tarrant Association Moderator Al Meredith contends the seminary lacks authority to take unilateral action, he expressed hope the situation can be resolved—either by the seminary purchasing the property from the association or by submitting the dispute to an arbitration panel.

Meredith, pastor of Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, repeatedly underscored his desire that the association’s longtime fraternal relationship with the seminary be maintained.

Southwestern Seminary officials did not respond to e-mail or phone calls requesting a response for this article.

The association office received a registered letter from Southwestern Seminary Dec. 10. The letter stated the association was in violation of its 1997 affiliation agreement, and it directed the association to vacate its property on James Avenue within six months. It also stated title on the property should revert back to the seminary.

In 1982, the seminary provided Tarrant Baptist Association land and the funds to build its office building, granting a 99-year lease on the property, Meredith explained. At that time, the seminary and association entered into an affiliation agreement stipulating the property would not be used for commercial activity, and the association and seminary would commit to remaining in theological harmony, he said.

In 1997, the property agreement was renegotiated, and Tarrant Baptist Association received the deed to the property, he said. “The affiliation agreement remained intact,” Meredith added.

According to the agreement, if any disagreement should arise between the association and the seminary, the matter should be resolved a three-member arbitration panel with one seminary representative, one associational representative and one party mutually agreed upon by both parties, he noted.

On Dec. 20, three associational representatives—Moderator-elect Meredith, Moderator Bobby Bridges and Leadership Development Director Becky Biser—met with Seminary President Paige Patterson and some of his staff to discuss the situation.

“We had a lengthy and amicable discussion,” Meredith said in an interview.

He noted during the discussion, Patterson commented that had learned information he did not have when the original Dec. 10 letter was delivered. He agreed to consider the matter further and discuss it with the seminary’s attorneys.

However, a letter from Southwestern Seminary he received Jan. 18 indicated the seminary planned to pursue its claim on the property.

Tarrant Baptist Association’s executive board subsequently met a few days later and unanimously approved a motion asking the seminary either to purchase the property from the association at fair market value or submit the matter to a three-person arbitration panel.

In a Dec. 21 letter to pastors in the association, Meredith noted specific areas in which the seminary claimed the association was not in compliance with its affiliation agreement:

• Toleration of homosexuality. While the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message takes a clear position against homosexual behavior, the seminary contends the association has a church or churches that do not comply with the statement of faith on that matter. “They feel this places them in a contradictory situation,” Meredith’s letter stated.

The Southern Baptist Convention cuts its historic ties with Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth in 2009 over its perceived acceptance of homosexual members. Last year, Broadway also withdrew its affiliation from the Baptist General Convention of Texas rather than face a challenge

• Placement. The seminary asserted it had asked for—and had not received—assistance from the association office in helping students and faculty gain access to empty pulpits in the association.

Meredith also noted the seminary expressed the need for additional office space or a welcome center that could be housed in the offices Tarrant Association occupies.

“We hold the deed. We believe the property to be ours,” Meredith said in an interview. “If the seminary needs the building, … we would be willing to talk about selling it to them for a fair market value.”

Meredith acknowledged he was disappointed by the seminary’s response. Even so, he insisted he and other associational leaders would continue praying for a win/win situation.

“If Tarrant Baptist Association wins and Southwestern Seminary loses, the kingdom of God loses. If Southwestern wins and the association loses, the kingdom loses. The matters of the kingdom are greater than either the seminary or the association. My prayer is that we do nothing to bring reproach on the name of Christ,” he said.

“Tarrant Baptist Association has enjoyed a longstanding fraternal relationship with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and we want that to continue.”

BUENA PARK, Calif. (ABP) — A former Southern Baptist Convention vice president criticized by denominational leaders two years ago for controversial comments concerning Barack Obama is considering allowing his nomination for SBC president in 2011.

Wiley Drake

Wiley Drake, pastor of First Southern Baptist Church in Buena Park, Calif., elected as the convention's second vice president in 2006, sent out a press release Jan. 24 seeking "prayer and counsel" about the following question: "Should I allow my nomination for the position of president of The Southern Baptist Convention in June 2011, and make a run for this position?"

"In my opinion we have left our traditional biblical positions and become a large group being led by a small group of leaders who are out of touch with what the average Southern Baptist desires for our ministry under the leadership of the Holy Ghost," Drake explained.

In a telephone interview Jan. 25, Drake said he sees things going on today in convention life that are "sort of a repeat" of the situation that existed prior to the "conservative resurgence" grassroots movement that redirected the denomination beginning in 1979.

Drake said he also sees parallels in the Tea Party movement in secular politics. "People are just saying, 'We're tired of you guys up there running things and not asking us, and even if you do ask us, you are not paying any attention.'"

Drake said he has heard similar things from fellow pastors. "I'm hearing people say, 'I'm not going to convention any more. Nobody listens. They just ramrod it. They run it through.' That concerns me, because I'm a convention kind of guy."

For many years, Drake was a fixture at SBC annual meetings with his perennial motions made from floor microphones during business sessions, including a resolution calling for a boycott of the Disney Co. in the 1990s. Messengers rewarded him at the 2006 annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C., by electing him among four nominees to the office of second vice president.

Drake was outspoken during his one-year term in the office, but he became even more controversial in 2009 when he said on Fox New Radio that he was praying for Obama to die. The comment was in response to a question by host Alan Colmes about Drake's use of "imprecatory prayer," directing certain Psalms containing prayers for divine judgment on enemies back to God. 

Drake, who ran as Alan Keyes' vice presidential running mate on the American Independent Party ticket on the California ballot in the 2008 presidential election, has a pending lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of Obama's presidency. The suit, now under appeal to the California Supreme Court, says Obama's election should be voided because he does not meet the constitutional requirement that the president be "a natural born citizen" of the United States.

Drake is among a minority commonly referred to as "birthers" who believe Obama was born outside the U.S. and that documents recording his birth in Hawaii are fake.

After his comments about Obama's death, one SBC official described Drake as out of the denomination's mainstream. A resolution at the 2009 convention applauded the election of America's first African-American president, while opposing many of President Obama's policies. The resolution did not mention Drake by name, but the chairman of the resolutions committee said one reason for recommending it was "irresponsible" statements by "some Southern Baptists."

Drake later lifted his call for imprecatory prayer against Obama. Recently he issued a similar edict against Fred Phelps, founder of the controversial anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., for being "an embarrassment to Bible-believing, pro-life and pro-family Christians, especially for those who are proud to be called Baptist."

Drake, 67, has kept a low profile in denominational life the last two years. "It had to do with the fact that I was being criticized, that I was always outspoken and nobody was listening to Wiley," he said. "Why should I invest money? Why should I invest time to go to a state or national meeting when nobody was listening?"

If he were to be elected as SBC president, Drake pledged to travel around the country holding "town hall" church meetings to find out what people desire and to use the input to "lead our denomination back to the Baptist Faith and Message."

Drake said he has been praying and fasting for about a month and believes the Lord is leading him to allow his nomination, but that he sent out his press release seeking prayer and counsel because: "I don't want it to be a Wiley thing. I want it to be a God thing."

"I believe God wants me to do it, but I want to hear from the family," he said. "I am honestly seeking not only prayer but counsel."

Either way, Drake said it is time for him to get re-involved in Baptist life.

"I'll be back in the swing of things, whether I run or not," he said. "I'm going to do what I can to bring Southern Baptists back to all the things that we used to do."

"I am back in the battle," Drake said. "I am going to fight. I figure if I could fight from the top down it would be easier, but if not I will fight from the bottom up."

Previous ABP stories:

Drake, former SBC officer, says he's praying for Obama to die

African-American pastor says SBC leaders should repudiate Drake

SBC spokesman disavows statements by former second VP

SBC praises Obama's election, criticizes policies, in resolution

Drake won't repeat as SBC 2nd VP but won't rule out higher office

Reform-minded Wiley Drake won’t accept traditional obscurity of SBC's 2nd VP

WACO—At least three factors increasingly will shape applied biomedical ethics in the 21st century—globalization, transformative new scientific advances and recognition of human limitation and finitude, according to Baruch Brody, director of the Center for Medical Ethics and Public Policy at Baylor College of Medicine .

“I believe ethical principles are universally true and hold for all people at all times. I reject any form of ethical relativism. However, the application of these universal principles changes,” said Brody, who serves both as a biomedical ethic professor at Baylor College of Medicine and as a professor of humanities in the philosophy department at Rice University.

Brody spoke Jan. 19 at Baylor University in Waco at a presidential symposium—one in a series marking the first year of Ken Starr’s time as president of the Baptist-affiliated school.

Global communication, international commerce and ease of travel affect how ethical decisions about scientific research and medical treatment are made, he observed. Distribution of resources, limits placed on research by one nation but not by other countries and conflicting cultural standards all present challenges—as well as the simple question of which country bears the cost of research and development.

“How do we share God’s single world with others who are equally his children?” he asked.

Scientific advances growing out of a fuller understanding of human genetic composition also present ethical questions, whether regarding early diagnosis and treatment of disease at the cellular level or related to the potential for regenerative medicine, where natural biological processes are used to replace damaged tissue, he noted.

“If we are stewards of our bodies, what are the moral obligations to test” for a genetic disposition toward specific diseases, such as Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s, he asked. “What is the physician’s responsibility? Should patients have to opt out of genetic testing? Or should they have to opt in?”

Finally, life-altering scientific advances underscore the need for humility—“recognition of human limitations and our inevitable finitude,” Brody said.

For example, as medical science offers the potential to extend life, people must wrestle with questions about what gives life meaning, he said. Likewise, they must count the cost.

“New medical advances almost always carry with them greater medical expenditures,” he said. “On the one hand, we value human life and want it prolonged and improved. On the other hand, we do not have an infinite pool of resources.”

While ethical people recognize the preciousness of human life as a moral value, they also seek to balance it with other values, he noted.

“As we hold to unchanging universally valid principles, factors such as these may cause us to adopt a more nuanced understanding and application of our values,” Brody said.

DALLAS—About 20 Dallas-area pastors used the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday to minister to an inner-city neighborhood.

Michelle Woody, a parent of a child in the Jack and Jill program which also provided volunteers, gives direction to Tammy Disch, Dallas Baptist Association accountant, and Wanda Hall, DBA executive assistant, as they prepare to hand out hats and gloves. They participated in a day of community service on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. (PHOTOS/Courtesy of Dallas Baptist Association)

“They came out to serve hot chili to neighbors in the community around Cornerstone Baptist Church,” said Jana Jackson, director of family and community services for Dallas Baptist Association.

Several volunteer groups worked with Cornerstone Baptist in the neighborhood near Fair Park, southeast of downtown Dallas.

Pastors from throughout the association played an important part in distributing more than 2,000 bowls of chili, as well as hats and gloves, Jackson reported.

“We wanted to give our pastors a chance to serve in something that relatively easy. They didn’t have to do a lot a preparation—just show up ready to work,” Jackson said.

The event also offered pastors the opportunity to serve without bearing the responsibility of leadership, she continued.

“A lot of times at their churches, they have to be in charge. But here, they could bring their families if they wanted and just relax and enjoy serving,” Jackson explained.

The event marked the second year for the pastors to serve the community near Cornerstone and to watch the Dallas parade commemorating King’s birthday.

Pastors helped distribute 2,000 bowls of chili during a Martin Luther King holiday mission emphasis in inner-city Dallas. (PHOTOS/Courtesy of Dallas Baptist Association)

Pastor Sammy Tabufor at Agape Baptist Christian Fellowship in Garland helped serve during a Martin Luther King Jr. day of service involving Dallas-area pastors. (PHOTOS/Courtesy of Dallas Baptist Association)

HOUSTON—When members of The Walk Church in Houston set up the baptistery for an outdoor service, they were excited by the prospect of celebrating what God had done in changing the lives of three people.

It turns out they were setting up to celebrate much more. Those three people were simply where God started.

Following the baptism of the three people who were scheduled to go through the ordinance, Pastor Jesse Shelton shared the gospel with the crowd who had gathered to see what was happening. A person came forward asking to be baptized as well. Then another. And another. And another.

Some came alone—others, in groups of two and three. But they kept coming. Each confessed Christ as Lord. And each was baptized in his name.  

“It just kept going and going and going,” Shelton said.

The procession of people seeking Christ simply continued, Shelton said. People wanted a relationship with God. In the end, so many people were baptized that the church ran out of the 40 certificates it brought to give to those who were baptized.

“People just started coming,” Shelton said. “And they wouldn’t stop coming. We were out there until 11 p.m.”

The outpouring of people dedicating themselves to following Christ is the result of God moving in one of Houston’s toughest neighborhoods, Shelton said. Known as “The Hole” because “when you go in you never leave,” the area leads the city in violent crime rate, high school drop-out rate and teen pregnancy rate.

Christians began trying to start The Walk Church about one year ago, going door-to-door sharing the gospel, Shelton said. It was tough work, as many people were not initially open to the gospel, but Shelton and other Christians continued trying to minister in the area.

Residents became used to their presence and began opening up to them. In the process, Shelton built relationships and shared the gospel.

A small core group started The Walk Church with the aid of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Texas Baptists facilitate church starts with the help of funding through the Cooperative Program and gifts through the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions.

Lives were changing, Shelton said. Drug dealers quit selling. They committed themselves to Christ.

When their neighbors saw the changes, they became interested in hearing the gospel. Those living testimonies carried the hope of Christ throughout the neighborhood.

“That’s the biggest sermon,” Shelton said. “That’s more powerful than any words we can share.”

When Shelton stood next to the baptistery and gave people an opportunity to be baptized, individuals were overjoyed to take advantage of the opportunity. So, they came forward—all 40-something of them.

“It’s really been beautiful,” Shelton said. “People are being changed through repentance.”