[1]NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Baptist Press released a story on July 3 about the funding cap imposed on giving to the SBC seminaries through the “BGCT 2001 Adopted Budget” giving option. The article’s first paragraph inaccurately stated that “Texas Baptist churches who give money through the Baptist General Convention of Texas’ 2001 Adopted Budget will no longer be able to forward money to Southern Baptist seminaries now that a BGCT-initiated funding cap has been imposed.” Baptist Press has released a correction to clarify that while funds to SBC seminaries through the “BGCT 2001 Adopted Budget” giving option have been capped for this year, churches may continue to give to the seminaries through other giving options.
Obviously, I wish BGCT had not defunded any SBC entity. Such action goes against the grain of our cooperative heritage.
At the same time, I am grateful that BGCT churches still have other avenues through which to contribute to the SBC seminaries, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, and the Executive Committee. These avenues include the time-honored 67-33% Cooperative Program giving option and specified designations. Southern Baptists and SBC leaders are thankful the door has remained open for BGCT churches to contribute to all SBC entities in ways other than the “BGCT 2001 Adopted Budget.”
Moreover, I’m thankful that many of the churches in Texas are giving faithfully to all SBC entities, missions and ministries. Without exception, the cooperative nature of our Convention has always been an intangible strength. Other denominations marvel at our ability to work together effectively and cooperatively without being hierarchical in our governing structure. God has clearly identified the church as His plan for winning the world to Christ and growing new Christians into mature believers. Thankfully, Southern Baptists never have lost sight of God’s commission to the church of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Morris H. Chapman
President and Chief Executive Officer
Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention
[2]