Baptists of the United States 50 Years of Struggle for Justice A

pproximately 5,000 delegates attended the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC) 50th

who were deeply involved in the Civil Rights movement and who were dissatisfied with the lack of support from the National Baptist Convention USA, a historically African American church body. Early members and supporters of PNBC included Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders such as Gardner Taylor, the second PNBC president. “It is both accurate and safe to say that most of our energy in

this last year has been spent preparing for this momentous event – the celebration of our 50th anniversary,” wrote Walter Parrish III, PNBC general secretary. “I remain committed to the principles which have guided our being together for 50 years.” In resolutions during the 50th

“Anniversary/Jubilee,” PNBC

recommitted to the ideals on which the convention was organized by strengthening its resolve toward preaching a social justice gospel, continuing the legacy and spirit of challenging social ills, and advocating “for justice and righteousness for the poor, the lost, those vulnerable to oppression, discrimination and exploitation.” Progressive Baptists resolved “to start revolutions of dignity,

civility and social justice in our own backyards to improve education, health care and the well-being of all people;” to increase literacy through a commitment to reading in home, church and school; and to support HIV/AIDS programs which address a disease that “has hit African Americans the hardest.” In national affairs, Progressive Baptists offered support to

the leadership of US President Barack Obama; urged the US government to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and to “apply resources saved from the draw-down of US troops to domestic needs including the eradication of poverty, the rebuilding of our urban centers and education.” The group gave support to Comprehensive Immigration Reform, to “amending the US Constitution to restore the people’s power to limit corporate spending in elections,” for the Affordable Health Care Act, and for climate change legislation as “climate change disproportionately impacts communities of color.” Full endorsement and support was also given to the erection

of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at the National Mall in Washington, DC, which was to be dedicated on August 28, a

PNBC President Carroll Baltimore and General Secretary Walter Parrish at the 50th

Annual Session of PNBC in Washington, DC Annual Session in

Washington, DC, from August 7-12, under the theme, “Securing our Future.” The convention started in 1961 in the United States by persons

few weeks after the convention met, but was postponed due to the passage of Hurricane Irene on the US East Coast. The PNBC urged its members to “join with our national political and civil rights leaders to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy in Washington, DC, and in their respective communities,” and to “re-dedicate themselves to the study of Black History, nonviolent protest, and advocacy on behalf of the least of our citizens.” The predominantly African American group denounced

what it termed “disrespect of President Barack Obama” through “numerous ethnical/racial slurs and remarks… by elected officials and the media;” heated rhetoric of hatred in the national dialogue; voter suppression tactics; and politicians “placing their narrow self-interests over compromise and shared sacrifice.” The organization noted “Dr. King’s model of nonviolent social

protest has been employed in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.” The recent protests in Egypt that led to the end of the 30-year reign of President Hosni Mubarak were “a direct result of peaceful nonviolent protest from the Egyptian people and the Egyptian protest movement modeled after the US Civil Rights movement,” one resolution states. Speakers at the Annual Session included Arne Duncan, the US

Secretary of Education, who described inequalities in American public education as a “dividing line” that still separates the haves from the have-nots. “I absolutely see this as a civil rights issue of our generation. If you can’t read and you can’t get a good job, you still are not truly free,” Duncan told the gathering. Gardner Taylor, now 93 years old, was honored for his role in

the Civil Rights movement and the founding of PNBC. The elder church statesman and highly regarded preacher recalled the early years of the PNBC and its role in the struggle for civil rights and freedom. “You are of noble heritage. Many people paid a great price,” Taylor told the gathering. Greetings on behalf of the Baptist World Alliance were brought

by Associate Director of Communications Eron Henry who told the gathering the PNBC has “a proud legacy worthy of emulation by other Baptist groups and organizations around the world. Certainly, in the struggle for freedom, justice and equality, you run second to no other.” Henry further urged Progressive Baptists “to stand on your legacy of fighting for human rights and justice with the BWA.” PNBC, a BWA member body, comprises 2.5 million members in 1,200 affiliated churches.

BW

Gardner Taylor, 93, who was honored for his role in the Civil Rights movement and the founding of PNBC at the 50th

Annual Session of PNBC Photos courtesy of PNBC

PNBC