Thousands of Baptists hold historic meeting

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.

Mega-Baptist convention comes to Atlanta

Four of the nation's largest black Baptist conventions are meeting in Atlanta today through Wednesday. The groups have an estimated combined membership of more than 10-million people. After the some ten-thousand delegates meet separately for convention business, they'll come together for discussion on disaster relief, evangelism, and addressing other social issues like HIV/AIDS and justice.

Another Baptist event later this week is the celebration of a New Baptist Covenant. As many as twenty-thousand baptists will attend the gathering Wednesday through Friday.

Both events are free and open to the public.