WASHINGTON (ABP) — The president of the Baptist World Alliance became an officer of the Order of the British Empire Jan. 2.
David Coffey, a Briton who has served as BWA's president since 2005, received the honor from Queen Elizabeth II for his work in ecumenical and inter-faith relations, according to a BWA press release. The organization is the worldwide umbrella group for regional and national Baptist associations, unions and conventions.
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, as it is formally known, is one of the societies through which the British monarch offers honorary titles to those who have contributed to the politics and culture of the United Kingdom. Established in 1917 by King George V, its motto is “For God and the Empire.”
The order has five divisions: Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross; Knight Commander or Dame Commander; Commander; Officer and Member. The highest two divisions denote knighthood and entitle citizens of countries ruled by the British crown to preface their names with “Sir” or “Dame.”
In the statement, Coffey said the title bestowed on him collectively honors the “great work that is done by the thousands of Baptists and unsung heroes who will not appear on any honors list but who we would be lost without.”
BWA General Secretary Neville Callam said Coffey's life of service is built on “vocational self-understanding” and fueled by intellect, excellence and a willingness to serve.
“The Baptist World Alliance holds David in very high esteem, and we dare to entertain the thought that we have a share in the honor he has received,” Callam said.
Coffey retired in 2006 after 15 years as general secretary for the Baptist Union of Great Britain. During his time in that position, he also swerved as moderator of the Free Churches in Britain, a consortium of several non-Anglican Protestant denominations. He also helped lead the ecumenical group Churches Together in England.
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