An occasional compilation of events from around the religious world. To suggest items for inclusion, email assistant editor Jeff Brumley at [email protected].
BWA urges Israel, Palestinians to end violence
Leaders of the Baptist World Alliance released a statement May 22 condemning ongoing Israeli-Palestinian violence and expressing sympathy for all those who have been killed or injured in the conflict.
The present wave of deadly clashes began with the May 14 opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
“As Christian leaders we stand in solidarity with all who suffer and who have tragically lost their lives,” BWA said in a statement released May 22.
The document is signed by BWA President Paul Msiza and General Secretary Elijah Brown. Jennifer Entrican, president of the European Baptist Federation, and Anthony Peck, its general secretary, also are signatories.
Their statement criticizes the use of “violence from wherever it comes, whether by militant groups or state-sanctioned oppression. Violence begets violence and leads to both sides living in constant fear of the other.”
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Baptist group seeks open, healthy discussion on sex
The Alliance of Baptists will host a “justice-focused event” to explore methods for constructively speaking about sex.
“Just Sex” will be held Oct. 18 to 20 at the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, Tennessee. It is open to anyone desiring to engage in a healthy discourse on issues of sexuality.
Participants will learn how sexual understanding has changed over time, how cultures and religious groups have and do approach sexuality, and how “people of faith reclaim sex as a gift from God and support healthy sexuality,” the Alliance said in a statement announcing the event.
Registration may be completed online.
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Seminary launches peace and nonviolence center
Central Baptist Theological Seminary launched the Buttry Center for Peace and Nonviolence on May 10, the Shawnee, Kan., school has announced.
The center is an effort to enable students “to serve humanity through compassionate and empathic action that leads to progressive, purposeful change,” according to Central’s May 21 announcement.
The project is named for Dan and Sharon Buttry, who are global peace consultants for the International Ministries of the American Baptist Churches USA. Dan Buttry was the guest speaker for the inaugural event.
Seminary President Molly Marshall said it is hoped the center will continue the quality work begun by the Dan and Sharon Buttry, who will retire later this year. Central awarded Dan Buttry an honorary doctoral degree in 2009 in recognition of his contribution to global peace.