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Baptist Union of Great Britain: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox denomination | {{Infobox denomination | ||
|name = Baptists Together (Baptist Union of Great Britain) | |name = Baptists Together (Baptist Union of Great Britain) | ||
|image = | |image = Baptists-Together.jpg | ||
|theological_tradition = [[Baptists|Baptist]], [[Evangelical Christianity]] | |theological_tradition = [[Baptists|Baptist]], [[Evangelical Christianity]] | ||
|orientation = | |orientation = | ||
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|associations = [[World Council of Churches]], [[Baptist World Alliance]], [[Conference of European Churches]], [[European Baptist Federation]], [[Churches Together in Britain and Ireland]], [[Fellowship of British Baptists]], [[Churches Together in England]] | |associations = [[World Council of Churches]], [[Baptist World Alliance]], [[Conference of European Churches]], [[European Baptist Federation]], [[Churches Together in Britain and Ireland]], [[Fellowship of British Baptists]], [[Churches Together in England]] | ||
|regions = [[wikipedia:England|England]] and [[wikipedia:Wales|Wales]] | |regions = [[wikipedia:England|England]] and [[wikipedia:Wales|Wales]] | ||
|founders | |founders = [[John Rippon]] and [[Joseph Ivimey]] | ||
|date_founded = 1832 | |date_founded = 1832 | ||
|founded_place = | |founded_place = | ||
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|website = [https://baptist.org.uk baptist.org.uk] | |website = [https://baptist.org.uk baptist.org.uk] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Baptists Together''', formally the '''Baptist Union of Great Britain''', is a [[Baptists|Baptist]] [[Christian denomination]] in [[England and Wales]]. It is affiliated with the [[Baptist World Alliance]] and [[Churches Together in England]]. The headquarters is in [[Didcot]]. | '''Baptists Together''', formally the '''Baptist Union of Great Britain''', is a [[Baptists|Baptist]] [[Christian denomination]] in [[wikipedia:England and Wales|England and Wales]]. It is affiliated with the [[Baptist World Alliance]] and [[Churches Together in England]]. The headquarters is in [[wikipedia:Didcot|Didcot]]. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
The Baptist Union was founded by 45 [[Particular Baptist]] churches in 1813 in [[London]].<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 76</ref> In 1832, it was reorganized to include the New Connection General Baptist Association ([[General Baptist]] churches) as a partner.<ref name=":0">Stephen R. Holmes, ''Baptist Theology'', T&T Clark, UK, 2012, p. 51</ref> In 1891, the two associations merged to form a single organization.<ref>Robert E. Johnson, ''A Global Introduction to Baptist Churches'', Cambridge University Press, UK, 2010, p. 104</ref> [[General Baptist]]s and [[Particular Baptists]] work was united in the Baptist Union in 1891.<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 77</ref> The Baptist Historical Society was founded in 1908. | The Baptist Union was founded by 45 [[Particular Baptist]] churches in 1813 in [[ikipedia:London|London]].<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 76</ref> In 1832, it was reorganized to include the New Connection General Baptist Association ([[General Baptist]] churches) as a partner.<ref name=":0">Stephen R. Holmes, ''Baptist Theology'', T&T Clark, UK, 2012, p. 51</ref> In 1891, the two associations merged to form a single organization.<ref>Robert E. Johnson, ''A Global Introduction to Baptist Churches'', Cambridge University Press, UK, 2010, p. 104</ref> [[General Baptist]]s and [[Particular Baptists]] work was united in the Baptist Union in 1891.<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 77</ref> The Baptist Historical Society was founded in 1908. | ||
In 1922, Edith Gates became the first [[Ordination of women in Christianity | woman ordained pastor]] in the Convention.<ref> Erich Geldbach, ''Baptists Worldwide: Origins, Expansions, Emerging Realities'', Wipf and Stock Publishers, USA, 2022, p. 111</ref> | In 1922, Edith Gates became the first [[Ordination of women in Christianity | woman ordained pastor]] in the Convention.<ref> Erich Geldbach, ''Baptists Worldwide: Origins, Expansions, Emerging Realities'', Wipf and Stock Publishers, USA, 2022, p. 111</ref> | ||
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===Inter-denominational associations=== | ===Inter-denominational associations=== | ||
The union maintains membership with Christian [[ecumenical]] | The union maintains membership with Christian [[ecumenical]] organizations such as [[Churches Together in England]], [[Churches Together in Britain and Ireland]], the [[Conference of European Churches]], and the [[World Council of Churches]]. | ||
==Missionary Society== | ==Missionary Society== | ||
The [[BMS World Mission]] was | The [[BMS World Mission]] was organized as Baptist Missionary Society in 1792, under the leadership of [[Andrew Fuller]] (1754–1815), John Sutcliff (1752–1814), and [[William Carey (missionary)|William Carey]] (1761–1834).<ref>Robert E. Johnson, ''A Global Introduction to Baptist Churches'', Cambridge University Press, Royaume-Uni, 2010, p. 99</ref><ref>J. Gordon Melton and Martin Baumann, ''Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices'', ABC-CLIO, USA, 2010, p. 292</ref> | ||
==Beliefs== | ==Beliefs== | ||
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The Union is a partner of 4 theological seminaries, namely South Wales Baptist College, Northern Baptist College, Bristol Baptist College and [[Spurgeon's College]], and a university college, [[Regent's Park College]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://baptist.org.uk/Groups/220658/Colleges.aspx |title= The Baptist Union: Colleges|website=baptist.org.uk |access-date=14 July 2022}}{{title missing|date=September 2022}}</ref> In March 2024, the St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry, previously an affiliated centre of Northern Baptist College, entered membership with the Baptist Union of Great Britain in its own right.<ref>{{Cite web |access-date=23 June 2024 |title=St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry |url=https://sthild.org/centre-for-baptist-ministry |website=St Hild}}</ref> | The Union is a partner of 4 theological seminaries, namely South Wales Baptist College, Northern Baptist College, Bristol Baptist College and [[Spurgeon's College]], and a university college, [[Regent's Park College]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://baptist.org.uk/Groups/220658/Colleges.aspx |title= The Baptist Union: Colleges|website=baptist.org.uk |access-date=14 July 2022}}{{title missing|date=September 2022}}</ref> In March 2024, the St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry, previously an affiliated centre of Northern Baptist College, entered membership with the Baptist Union of Great Britain in its own right.<ref>{{Cite web |access-date=23 June 2024 |title=St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry |url=https://sthild.org/centre-for-baptist-ministry |website=St Hild}}</ref> | ||
== | ==Organization== | ||
The principal of the Union is the General Secretary. A number of paid staff provide leadership and practical support from the Union's headquarters in Baptist House, [[Didcot]], in areas such as finance, ministerial accreditation, and legal support. | The principal of the Union is the General Secretary. A number of paid staff provide leadership and practical support from the Union's headquarters in Baptist House, [[wikipedia:Didcot|Didcot]], in areas such as finance, ministerial accreditation, and legal support. | ||
=== List of general secretaries === | === List of general secretaries === | ||
* 1898 – 1924 John Howard Shakespeare | * 1898 – 1924 [[John Howard Shakespeare]] | ||
* 1925 – 1951 [[Melbourn Aubrey]] | * 1925 – 1951 [[Melbourn Aubrey]] | ||
* 1951 – 1967 [[Ernest Alexander Payne|Ernest A. Payne]] | * 1951 – 1967 [[Ernest Alexander Payne|Ernest A. Payne]] | ||
* 1967 – 1982 [[David Syme Russell|David S. Russell]] | * 1967 – 1982 [[David Syme Russell|David S. Russell]] | ||
* 1982 – 1991 Bernard Green | * 1982 – 1991 [[Bernard Green (UK baptist minister)|Bernard Green]] | ||
* 1991 – 2006 David Coffey | * 1991 – 2006 [[David Coffey (UK baptist minister)|David Coffey]] | ||
* 2006 – 2013 Jonathan Edwards | * 2006 – 2013 [[Jonathan Edwards (UK baptist minister)]] | ||
* 2013 – Lynn Green | * 2013 – ''Present'' [[Lynn Green]] | ||
Since 2001, churches in membership with the Baptist Union of Great Britain have been | Since 2001, churches in membership with the Baptist Union of Great Britain have been organized into 13 Regional Associations: | ||
*Central Baptist Association | *Central Baptist Association | ||
*East Midlands Baptist Association | *East Midlands Baptist Association | ||
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*West of England Baptist Network (formerly West of England Baptist Association) | *West of England Baptist Network (formerly West of England Baptist Association) | ||
*Yorkshire Baptist Association | *Yorkshire Baptist Association | ||
Regional Association teams, led by a number of Regional Ministers and a senior Regional Ministry Team Leader (RMTL), oversee and facilitate ministry in local churches. This may include pastoral support for ministers, signposting regional events, | Regional Association teams, led by a number of Regional Ministers and a senior Regional Ministry Team Leader (RMTL), oversee and facilitate ministry in local churches. This may include pastoral support for ministers, signposting regional events, organizing regional conferences, and supporting churches without a minister. | ||
== Doctrinal controversies == | == Doctrinal controversies == | ||
At the Baptist Union Assembly in April 1971, [[Michael Taylor (UK baptist)]], then Principal at the Northern Baptist College, asserted, "I believe that God was active in Jesus, but it will not do to say quite categorically: Jesus is God." The statement bred controversy, and some charged him with denying the Deity of Christ.<ref name=btimes>{{cite web |url= http://www.baptist.org.uk/Articles/369231/Freedom_with_foundation.aspx | title = Freedom with Foundation: The George Beasley-Murray Memorial Lecture | work= Baptist Times | access-date=2016-08-16 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160816205814/http://www.baptist.org.uk/Articles/369231/Freedom_with_foundation.aspx | archive-date= 2016-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.alfredplacechurch.org.uk/index.php/sermons/the-divine-glory-of-christ/the-divine-glory-of-christ-1/ | title = The Divine Glory of Christ | last= Thomas, Geoff | author-link= Geoff Thomas (pastor) | work= Alfred Place Baptist Church | access-date=2016-08-16 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160816210015/http://www.alfredplacechurch.org.uk/index.php/sermons/the-divine-glory-of-christ/the-divine-glory-of-christ-1/ | archive-date= 2016-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.efcc.org.uk/publications/Concern_130.pdf | title = Federation Speaker, in ''Congregational Concern'' | work= Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Concerns | date= 1993 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160816210954/http://www.efcc.org.uk/publications/Concern_130.pdf| archive-date= 2016-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.wayoflife.org/reports/liberal_baptist_denominations.html |title= Liberal Baptist Denominations| date= 2014-04-13 | work= Way of Life Literature | access-date=2016-08-16 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160816211235/http://www.wayoflife.org/reports/liberal_baptist_denominations.html| archive-date= 2016-08-16}}</ref> [[Nigel G. Wright]], later Principal of [[Spurgeon's College]], commenting on the affair, claimed the, "Spectre of theological downgrade had lingered within the denomination throughout the 20th century," alluding to the [[Charles Spurgeon#Downgrade controversy|Downgrade Controversy]] of a century earlier.<ref name=btimes /> | |||
At the Baptist Union Assembly in April 1971, Michael Taylor, then Principal at the Northern Baptist College, asserted, "I believe that God was active in Jesus, but it will not do to say quite categorically: Jesus is God." The statement bred controversy, and some charged him with denying the Deity of Christ.<ref name=btimes>{{cite web |url= http://www.baptist.org.uk/Articles/369231/Freedom_with_foundation.aspx | title = Freedom with Foundation: The George Beasley-Murray Memorial Lecture | work= Baptist Times | access-date=2016-08-16 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160816205814/http://www.baptist.org.uk/Articles/369231/Freedom_with_foundation.aspx | archive-date= 2016-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.alfredplacechurch.org.uk/index.php/sermons/the-divine-glory-of-christ/the-divine-glory-of-christ-1/ | title = The Divine Glory of Christ | last= Thomas, Geoff | author-link= Geoff Thomas (pastor) | work= Alfred Place Baptist Church | access-date=2016-08-16 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160816210015/http://www.alfredplacechurch.org.uk/index.php/sermons/the-divine-glory-of-christ/the-divine-glory-of-christ-1/ | archive-date= 2016-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.efcc.org.uk/publications/Concern_130.pdf | title = Federation Speaker, in ''Congregational Concern'' | work= Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Concerns | date= 1993 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160816210954/http://www.efcc.org.uk/publications/Concern_130.pdf| archive-date= 2016-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.wayoflife.org/reports/liberal_baptist_denominations.html |title= Liberal Baptist Denominations| date= 2014-04-13 | work= Way of Life Literature | access-date=2016-08-16 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160816211235/http://www.wayoflife.org/reports/liberal_baptist_denominations.html| archive-date= 2016-08-16}}</ref> [[Nigel G. Wright]], later Principal of [[Spurgeon's College]], commenting on the affair, claimed the, "Spectre of theological downgrade had lingered within the denomination throughout the 20th century," alluding to the [[Charles Spurgeon#Downgrade controversy|Downgrade Controversy]] of a century earlier.<ref name=btimes /> | |||
Affirm network was founded in 2000 in favor to the inclusion of LGBTQ people in the Union. <ref> Affirm, [https://www.affirm.org.uk/about About], affirm.org.uk, UK, accessed July 24, 2024</ref> | Affirm network was founded in 2000 in favor to the inclusion of LGBTQ people in the Union. <ref> Affirm, [https://www.affirm.org.uk/about About], affirm.org.uk, UK, accessed July 24, 2024</ref> | ||