Amanda Tyler and Bill Leonard are among the featured speakers at the 2019 Annual Conference of The Baptist History and Heritage Society.
The event runs May 20 to 22 at First Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is held in conjunction with the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion and the Association of Ministry Guidance Professionals.
John Finley
Tyler is the executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. She will speak on “Baptists and Public Policy” on May 21.
Leonard is professor of Baptist studies and church history emeritus at Wake Forest University. He will address the Fellowship of Baptist Historians breakfast on May 22.
Campbell University Professor Glenn Jonas will speak on “Two Roads Diverged: The Civil Rights Movement Comes to First Baptist Church Raleigh.”
The third plenary session will consist of a panel discussion featuring Leonard, Carol Ann Vaughn Cross, an assistant professor of geography and sociology at Samford University, and Jonas. It will be led by Mikeal Parsons, professor and Macon chair in religion at Baylor University.
While there will be many other sessions devoted to the presentation of scholarly papers on a wide range of subjects, the presence of engaging speakers and topics reflects an effort to make the annual event alluring to non-scholars, including ministers and lay people who share in a passion for Baptist and church history.
“We included them because they are interesting speakers and some people will come specifically to hear them,” said John Finley, executive director of the Baptist History and Heritage Society.
“The Historical Society is trying to broaden its reach to build bridges to local congregations,” he added. “We already provide resources on Baptist principles and Baptist history to churches.”
Online registration is open for the conference. The cost is $95, which includes some meals. The cost increases to $125 on May 1, Finley said.
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CBF Mississippi hosts racial discourse
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Mississippi will host a symposium from 3 to 5 p.m. April 28 at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson.
Billed as an evening of racial discourse, the event features Yvette Johnson and Myra Williams Ottewell.
“Both Mississippi natives, Johnson and Ottewell share their experiences of growing up in MS, what they found when they came back, and how to move forward in dialogue and action regarding race relations,” CBF Mississippi said.
Registration packets run from $25 to $125. Registration is available online. The Oates Institute and the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky are co-sponsors of the event.
More information is available by calling (601) 672-4432 or via e-mail at [email protected].
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ABC-USA applauds Asian Baptist group
After years of study and groundwork, the Asian American Baptist Caucus has been transformed into the Alliance of Asian American Baptist Churches.
American Baptist Churches USA announced the development through its news service late last month.
“It was a dream long in the works by the Asian Caucus leaders that the organization would evolve into something more and, working step by step in deep prayer and discernment by the Holy Spirit, the group is proud to announce the official transition from Caucus to Alliance,” the denomination announced.
The caucus was created during the 1970s to represent Asian and Asian-American congregations and individuals at the ABC-USA table.
“While the role of a caucus is still as relevant today as it was 50 years ago, Asian American Baptist churches numbering over 150 churches across the US, now operating as the Alliance, are prepared to serve as a partner in common mission,” former ABC-USA president Rev. Don Ng said in the news service report.
“The Asian Caucus historically has been a powerful voice for advocacy for Asian American leaders and churches within our denomination,” Karen Yee, a board member of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, said in the report. “I am excited to see how the Alliance will continue its advocacy role and expand its influence and work through partnering with ABHMS through the Aligned Action Networks, Asian Ministries, Intercultural Ministries, and other opportunities.”