Mercer University President William Underwood, Former President Jimmy Carter, and Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue attend the opening ceremony of the Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant. (Katy Pando)
A diverse group of North American Baptists are meeting in Atlanta this week. It is the first broad attempt by the denomination at healing divisions dating to the Civil War. Organizers of the Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant hope the meeting will forge a new spirit of cooperation among Baptists.
Democratic Presidential candidate, Senator Hillary Clinton at the podium. (Katy Pando)
Former President Jimmy Carter is the public face of the initiative: “We hope that Baptists, who might have the reputation as being the most divided of all, over time, can present a vivid demonstration that if we can do it, all other Christians can as well.”
Choral accompaniment. (Katy Pando)
Carter insists the meeting is not political and does not create a new denomination. However, the group does reflect a liberal counterweight to the conservative Southern Baptist Convention. Organizers plan to address issues such as racism, poverty, AIDS and environmentalism.
Democratic Presidential candidate, Senator Hillary Clinton at the podium. (Katy Pando)
Former President Jimmy Carter is the public face of the initiative: “We hope that Baptists, who might have the reputation as being the most divided of all, over time, can present a vivid demonstration that if we can do it, all other Christians can as well.”
Choral accompaniment. (Katy Pando)
Carter insists the meeting is not political and does not create a new denomination. However, the group does reflect a liberal counterweight to the conservative Southern Baptist Convention. Organizers plan to address issues such as racism, poverty, AIDS and environmentalism.
