Evangelicals & British Leaders Greet Baptist Centenary Congress

In less than a week, the high-profile Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Centenary Congress will commence in Birmingham, England, bringing together over 12,000 people from 107 countries. Not only has it drawn attention from evangelicals and Baptists worldwide, but it also received greetings from British leaders. The Baptists’ commitment in the proclamation of the Gospel has been testified by many.

The illuminated American evangelists Rev Billy Graham, who has just declined an invitation from leading UK evangelicals to conduct a crusade in London due to his ill-heath, was the concluding speaker at Baptist Congresses for many years.

Rev Graham said, "I would like to send my warmest Christian greetings to all of you who celebrate the Centenary of the Baptist World Alliance. I am sure that I have many long time friends among those of you who have gathered as well as many more who have supported our ministry around the world and worked along side us in the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ across the globe down through the years."

Rev Graham is a very good friend of the top leadership of the BWA. He praised the outgoing BWA President Billy Kim and incoming BWA President and General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) David Coffey, who will carry on the heavy load of responsibility.

Rev Graham blessed the BWA General Secretary Denton Lotz, "May God richly bless you in fellowship, give you great wisdom in each decision you take and renewed commitment to the proclamation of the gospel for the days ahead."

David Y. K. Wong, who served as president of the BWA from 1975-1980 and became the first Asian leader of the BWA, cannot attend this historical gathering as well. However, he shared, "In our world of violence, hate, and revenge the reconciling effort of all people of good will and Christians is sought and solely needed in this 21st Century perhaps just as much, if not more, than ever before."

"May all of us from the international Baptist community that both affirms and transcends all national and cultural differences take seriously the admonishment of our Lord Jesus Christ to be peacemakers and in doing so, be worthy of the name of the ‘sons and daughters of God’."

Even Her Majesty the Queen and top politicians in the UK have been aware of the occasion of the Baptist World Centenary Congress.

While the Queen Elizabeth II is unable to attend the ceremonies, a letter from her private secretary assures the Congress of her best wishes, "for a successful and enjoyable event".

Prime Minister Tony Blair greeted the 35 million Baptists worldwide whom he says, "constitute a powerful force for good. You bring great hope, and the eternal values of justice and respect for others, to so many different and diverse communities across the globe."

He described the image of Baptists, saying, "Baptists have so often been, and still are, ready to challenge the powers that be, questioning the conventions and structures of the day. All societies need communities much as yours to ask the sometimes difficult questions and make the unsettling points, to model a way of living together, and to set out a radically different vision of what the world might be and to bring your own particular energy to achieving it."

"I am delighted to welcome the Baptist World Centenary Congress," Blair said, "May your prophetic voice continue to be heard loud and clear as you embark upon your second century."

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to welcome you," said Councillor Mike Nangle, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham. He praised the location of the International Convention Centre, where the Congress will be held, is located in the very heart of the city with its many attractions for visitors, including a wide range of hotels, restaurants, theatres and shops all within walking distance.

Mapusia Kolo from Papua New Guinea (PNG) will travel to England for the Congress to give a living testimony on how the power of the gospel has changed his life. He expresses gratitude to the Baptist missionaries who have spread the seeds of the Gospel on the land.

Kolo plans to conclude his message by emphasising the crucial role of the Bible and how the Good News of the Gospel "being read and understood in our own language is very instrumental in the change of our society."

Tony Cupit, BWA Director for Evangelism and Education, worked with Kolo to translate the gospel into the native Enga language when he served as an Australian Baptist missionary to PNG.

In the midst of the terrorists attacks in London, worldwide Baptist have not been threatened in the peace given by Christ Jesus and insisted on proceeding with the Congress. The attendants have already expressed their concern, sympathy and solidarity with people in England against the 56 deaths in the terrorist bomb on 7th July.

Swarupananda Patra, General Secretary of Baptists of Orissa, India, summed up for all Baptists when he wrote, "We shall be there soon and share the Visible God we know and shall pray loudly to our God that our efforts shall make a difference in this world where some intend to rule by terror and we by the force of love."