the Baptist communities there.” The resolution commends the faithfulness of Middle Eastern Baptists, such as those in Lebanon and Gaza, “who are reaching out with humanitarian aid to meet the needs of their communities, including refugees,” and appeals to “the worldwide Baptist family to support them in their endeavors.” One resolution expresses concern about

conflicts in the eastern part of the DRC due to “the struggle for access to and control of the region’s vast mineral resources.” The resolution notes that the DRC supplies 70 percent of the minerals used to make cell phones, laptops, and other popular

electronic devices, and that in the last 15 years, an estimated 5.4 million people have died as a result of wars in the eastern region. Women and young girls are at special risk, according to the resolution, with Eastern Congo described as “the most dangerous place in the world to be a woman or a girl” due to widespread rape and other forms of violent assaults. There is need, the BWA says, for “companies and individuals trading in minerals from Eastern Congo to work for peace and promote justice in the region” and for Baptists to advocate with companies “to create conflict-free supply chains and a conflict-free mining sector in Congo.” One resolution endorses the “just peacemaking” formula

developed by scholars led by Glen Stassen, a Baptist and professor of Christian Ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, in the United States. The peace plan includes support for nonviolent action; cooperative conflict resolution; the promotion of human rights, religious liberty and democracy; economic development that is just and sustainable; a reduction in offensive weapons and weapons trade; the support of grassroots peacemaking groups and voluntary associations; and the strengthening of the United Nations and other international organizations. The BWA is encouraging its member conventions and unions, churches and Baptist individuals to learn the 10 practices and “to incorporate them . . . in our congregations and institutions.”

Upton and Callam BWA President John Upton, in reviewing his first year in office,

described it as a sacred journey. Addressing the General Council, Upton said that, “after spending time with some of our courageous leaders in Baptist life and hearing world leaders express their appreciation of the BWA, it makes one want to remind Baptists there is much for which to be thankful.” Upton warned the General Council to guard against distraction.

“We are distracted from seeing clearly the bigger mission,” he said. “Less worthy agenda can capture our attention and drain passion and resources. It is essential that the main things remain the first things and that we give our best to those matters rather than the small and distracting.” Callam encouraged members of the General Council to celebrate multiculturalism within the worldwide Baptist family. He said the BWA needs to blend elements in its cultural heritage so as not to privilege some elements over against others. He called on the BWA to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of its members as a gift, rather than engaging in what he termed a “display of comparative riches.” He expressed hope that the values that inform the BWA’s efforts will be reflected both in its vision and ministry. Baptist leaders and delegates were cordially welcomed

by Malaysian Baptists, who hosted a welcome dinner at which Isaac Yim, chairman of the Malaysia Baptist Convention (MBC), said, “Your presence here will strengthen Baptists in Malaysia in particular, and Christians in general.” Callam extended gratitude to Malaysian Baptists, and particularly to John Kok, a BWA vice president and former chairman of the MBC, for the warmth, welcome and organizational help that Baptists in the Southeast Asian country offered in hosting the BWA.

BW

Participants at the BWA

communication training

seminar held at the Kuala Lumpur Baptist Church

14 BAPTIST WORLD MAGAZINE