FWB Executive Committee Adopts a Motion Regarding Racism

Nashville, TN—The Executive Committee of the National Association of Free Will Baptists met December 7, 2011, in its regular semi-annual meeting. The committee took the following action:

"Motion passed that we reaffirm the resolution deploring all forms of racism that was adopted at our 1995 convention and that we support the official statement issued by the National Association of Free Will Baptists Executive Office. Further, we recommend the Bible study, Racism, the Bible and the Church, published by Randall House Publications."

The resolution mentioned is as follows:

1995 Resolutions Committee Report

Resolution #2—Resolution Concerning Racism

Whereas, all people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26) and,
Whereas, all people have descended through "one blood" from Adam (Acts 17:26) and,
Whereas, God desired for all people to be saved (2 Peter 3:9),
Be it resolved that the National Association of Free Will Baptists do hereby condemn racism in any form and do pledge to proclaim the Gospel freely to all men of every race.

This motion was adopted unanimously by the Executive Committee and will be referred to the 2012 convention for its approval.

FWB Executive Office Statement Regarding Interracial Couples

Antioch, TN—Recently, the action of a Free Will Baptist church in the state of Kentucky raised questions regarding the position of the National Association of Free Will Baptists on interracial couples. This statement is intended to bring clarity to the subject.

The National Association of Free Will Baptists does not have an official policy regarding interracial couples because it has not been an issue in the denomination. The Free Will Baptist Treatise neither condemns nor disallows marriage between a man and woman of different races.

Free Will Baptists have historically championed the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of race. The denomination’s leadership in the abolition movement is evidence of that fact. Free Will Baptists currently spend millions of dollars each year to take the good news of Jesus Christ to people of every race.

Many interracial couples are members of Free Will Baptist churches. They are loved, accepted, and respected by their congregations. It is unfair and inaccurate to characterize the denomination as racist.

It is our understanding that steps are being taken by the church in question to reverse its decision. We encourage the church to follow through with this action. Leaders from the local conference and state association in Kentucky are working with the church to resolve this matter.

Contact Executive Secretary Keith Burden: keith@nafwb.org