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aptist World Alliance General Secretary Neville Callam has challenged the London Baptist Association (LBA) to renew its commitment to the vision of unity in Christ. Among the three historical commitments of the LBA were

unity, evangelism and church planting. The BWA leader was speaking during a worship service on November 15 that culminated the 150th anniversary celebrations of the LBA, which was cofounded by Baptist stalwarts Charles Spurgeon, William Brock and William Landels. Callam harked back to the formation

of the BWA 110 years ago in London. “When our forbears approved the first constitution for the fledgling organization that was formed in the Royal Albert Hall in this city in 1905, they said that the BWA

BWA General Secretary Neville Callam (at podium) with other participants at a 150th anniversary celebration of the London Baptist Association in the UK

CALLAM URGES BAPTIST UNITY at Anniversary Celebration

not based on utilitarian considerations or conceived in prudential terms. “Theirs was an organic understanding of the relationship shared by Baptist churches,” Callam asserted. Noting that the message of unity is one he has been emphasizing

The integral relationship that churches share is a sign and symbol of their identity that is rooted and grounded in their incorporation into the one body of Christ.”

was to be a sign of the essential oneness of Baptist churches.” Unity was a major motivation in the formation of the global

Baptist organization, Callam emphasized. Enshrined in the BWA original documents was the declaration of the “the essential oneness in Christ of the churches of Baptist faith and order throughout the world.” He said the unity that was being sought was

in the BWA, Callam asked the LBA to recognize that “This way of understanding Baptist unity precludes Baptist churches separating themselves

with impunity from the

wider family of churches of which they are a part. The integral relationship that churches share is a sign and symbol of their identity that is rooted and grounded in their incorporation into the one body of Christ.” The need for unity is as urgent now as it is was then. “Baptist churches belong together,” Callam reiterated. “Let us strive to develop an understanding of our

association at the local, national and international levels that can accommodate greater ecclesial density.” Beyond the denominational expression of Christ unity, he

added, “Baptists will be ready to join with other Christian World Communions in striving for the visible unity that reflects the gift of unity that God has bestowed on the church.”

Below: BWA General Secretary Neville Callam stands with Baptist Union of Great Britain General Secretary Lynn Green (center) and other Baptists at a 150th celebration of the London Baptist Association

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