BWA Leaders Congratulate Pope Francis, Laud Benedict XVI
L elected the 266th
eaders of the Baptist World Alliance® representing 42 million Baptists in 223 member organizations in 120 countries, offered congratulations to Pope Francis who was head of the Catholic Church on March 13.
The election of Francis, formerly Cardinal Jorge Mario
Bergoglio of Argentina, by the Papal conclave, came after the resignation of Benedict XVI in February. He is the fi rst Latin American and fi rst Jesuit to be elected pope. BWA President John Upton said, “The BWA celebrates with
the Catholic Church the announcement of Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis. The prayerful discernment process of the Catholic Church in selecting the pope has been a comfort to us all.” Upton stated that “Pope Francis will have our prayers as he begins his responsibilities.” General Secretary Neville Callam said, “The BWA welcomes
the election of Cardinal Bergoglio as Pope Francis. As archbishop of Buenos Aires, the former cardinal’s commitment
to the
proclamation of the Gospel, his record of solidarity with victims of social injustice, his affi rmation of the value of a simple lifestyle and his exemplary humility has provided much encouragement to the community of believers in Christ.” Callam indicated that the new pope “will be accompanied by
the prayers of the members of the world Baptist family, who also anticipate the pope’s positive contribution to the realization of the vision of the church refl ected in the High Priestly prayer of our Lord.” Upton represented the BWA at the inauguration of Pope
Francis on March 19 at the Vatican. Callam, who has a prior engagement in India, is unable to take up the offi cial invitation from the Vatican to attend. Upton and Callam also expressed their appreciation for Pope
Benedict XVI after the announcement of his intention to resign. “I have deeply appreciated the inclusion by the pope of other Christian fellowships such as the BWA, in serious discussions
Paul R. Dekar, Community of the Transfi guration: The Journey of a New Monastic Community, Cascade Books, 2008
Paul Dekar tells the inspiring
story of Holy Transfi guration Monastery in Victoria, Australia. Readers are introduced to the story of a monastery that is of Baptist origin and polity. The monastery maintains a close relationship with the Baptist Union of Victoria, but welcomes postulants who do not come from Baptist origins and are not practicing Baptists. Dekar helps readers appreciate the rich tapestry of Baptist spirituality.
28 BAPTIST WORLD MAGAZINE
of matters that have confronted the Christian world,” said Upton. “The pope has always been gracious in his welcome to the Vatican and respectful of the insights and opinions of other Christian communities.” Callam acknowledged “the ministry that Pope Benedict XVI
exercised, in particular his contribution to ecumenical relations.” Callam took note of the pope’s theological works and his pastoral ministry that have “provided the Christian community with a rich storehouse of spiritual refl ections worthy of detailed study.” “I applaud the pope’s openness to bilateral dialogues that
have both strengthened understandings and furthered Christian witness,” Upton said. “He has demonstrated his love of the church and he will be remembered fondly for his scholarly and gentle leadership.” Callam recalled the private audience the pope gave to
participants in the dialogue involving Baptists and Catholics during their meetings in Rome in 2007. In receiving the delegates, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his hope that the dialogue would result in “increase of understanding and cooperation between Catholics and Baptists.” Baptists and Catholics have participated in theological
dialogue since 1984. The fi rst round extended from 1984-1988 and the second from 2006-2010. Callam acknowledged the pope’s support of the second round of the dialogue. This ecumenical openness, according to the general secretary,
was on full display during the 13th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops of the Catholic Church where the Baptist community was represented by Timothy George, dean and professor of divinity, history and doctrine at Beeson Divinity School in the state of Alabama in the United States. “We convey best wishes on a well deserved retirement,”
Callam stated. “His immense contribution to world Christianity will not be forgotten and we pray for him God’s blessings in the coming years.”
Faith Bowers, When Weak, then Strong: Disability in the Life of the Church, Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, 2008
BOOK NOTES
The book explores the contribution
people with disability make to the life of the church and suggests ways in which the churches may intentionally make room for the participation by disabled persons in their ministry., Faith Bowers gives voice to the perspectives of disabled persons and, by this means, she edifi es especially members of the Christian community who believe they do not have a disability. Bowers helps liberate the churches by canvassing God’s love for people with disability and by painting a portrait of what divine love requires.
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