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TechnoratiOne of the major prongs to creating a new Baptist voice is following the compassion mandate through social work in the capacity of poverty, HIV/AIDS and sex trafficking and also addressing religious diversity and evangelism among other issues.
"One of the challenges this places before us as Baptists and as believers is to live up to our faith," said William Shaw, president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., according to ABP.
Baptists aim to redirect the public focus from the "negative image" to the humanitarian work they're involved in.
Morris H. Chapman, president of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, argued the notion about a negative perception of Baptists, according to the Baptist Press. Southern Baptists have provided over 5 million meals in the U.S. alone, he said. And he further cited a recent Zogby International survey that showed adults view Southern Baptists favorably, especially in areas where they have a strong presence.
The convocation is scheduled tentatively for Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2008, in Atlanta and Carter called on "all Baptists" who share their goals to join with them.
Richard Land, head of the Southern Baptists' public policy arm, said the organizers of the 2008 gathering have to work hard to ensure the event is not viewed as "overtly political" as it is held during a presidential election year.
Will Hall, vice president of news services for the SBC, also suspects the timing of the event, saying it has "more of a political ring to it than an actually evangelical ring to it," according to Family News in Focus.
"To me it's not a new voice," he said. "It's just rehashing a tired, old saw."
