One forum focused on efforts at peacemaking in which Baptists have played a significant part. This forum
was led by Karen Bullock, Director of the PhD program at B.H. Carroll Theological Institute in Texas in the
United States and chair of the BWA Commission on Baptist Heritage and Identity.
COMMISSIONS AND WORKGROUPS
BWA commissions and workgroups, which are the contexts within which Baptist leaders, theologians,
professors, scholars and writers from around the world deliberate on theological, doctrinal, ethical, historical
and social issues of concern to Baptists, also gave space to discussions on the 400th anniversary.
The Commission on Baptist Heritage and Identity received a paper on the history of Baptists in the
Netherlands by Teun van der Leer, Rector of the Baptist Seminary of the Netherlands, while commission
members benefited from a presentation related to the Amsterdam archives by Dutch Baptist historian, Kirsten
Timmer.
In the Academic and Theological Education Workgroup, presenters led conversations about how certain
theological convictions that mark Baptist life over the past 400 years are reflected in different regions of the
world. Discussions were based on a paper presented by Ian Randall, Director of Research at Spurgeon’s
College in England, at the 7th Baptist International Conference on Theological Education that was held in
Prague in the Czech Republic in July 2008.
The Church Health and Effectiveness Workgroup focused on “The Church in Europe after Christendom”
and “The Future of the Church in the Eyes of Emerging Leaders.”
Bill Tillman, T.B. Maston Professor of Christian Ethics at Logsdon School of Theology in Texas, USA,
presented an evaluation of “The Contribution of Baptists to Christian Ethics” at meetings of the Commission on
Christian Ethics, while the Commission on Freedom and Justice discussed “Defending Religious Freedom: A
Baptist Principle.”
The Commission on Doctrine and Interchurch Cooperation focused on a range of issues, including a
discussion on “Baptists and Themes of Liberation” and “Baptist Approaches to the Interpretation of Scripture.”
A congratulatory letter to the BWA from evangelist Billy Graham was read by Lotz at the special
quadricentennial service. Graham, who has had a long association with the BWA, having spoken at every
Baptist World Congress between 1950 and 1985, said, “How I wish I could be with you as I have so often
attended BWA meetings over the years. I am now 90 years of age, and my health and strength will not allow
me to travel. Yet, I am with you in spirit and encouragement as you meet.”
Graham’s letter warmed the hearts of the nearly 400 delegates from more than 50 countries who had
gathered in the Netherlands for the BWA meetings. Baptists left the Netherlands challenged and refreshed,
inspired by 400 years of significant contribution in many of the 119 countries that are represented within the
BWA.
PHOTOS: Delegates listen to reports and discussions during the General Council meeting;
Neville Callam gives instructions to participants before the start of the quadricentennial service in Amsterdam;
Participants in the Pastors Affinity Group meet during the Annual Gathering

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