December 12, 2007

VALLEY FORGE, PA – ABCUSA General Secretary issued the following memo on December 7 to American Baptists:

Dear Friend:

While I know that our thoughts are focused on this most holy of seasons, I want to call attention to the largest, most historic event in Baptist history that will take place only seven weeks from now – the three-day celebration of a New Baptist Covenant, beginning Jan. 30, in Atlanta, Ga.

Yesterday, The Atlanta Journal Constitution ran an opinion piece by former President Jimmy Carter that outlines the reasons and need for such a gathering. It contains a call to action that we cannot ignore. You can read it by clicking on this link: http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/stories/2007/12/10/cartered_1211.html.

If you haven't already reserved your place at this unprecedented event, you can register (for free) at this link: http://www.newbaptistcelebration.org/.

Please also make sure you register as soon as possible for the Feb. 2 free American Baptist Breakfast at http://www.abc-usa.org/documents/nbc.htm. More than 300 people have already registered. Baptist World Alliance General Secretary Neville Callam will be our keynote speaker and our special guest will be Dr. Alan Bean, executive director of the Friends of Justice, a faith-based, grassroots organization that works to restore due process to all Americans. Also on our website, you'll find materials you can duplicate and distribute, such as church bulletins, to make sure that your fellow church members and friends know about the event and consider attending.

As a Baptist people who are committed to serving as the hands and feet of Christ, I urge you to join the larger Baptist community at this meeting to determine how, together, we can focus on new ways to fulfill Christ's mandate to share the Gospel.

With my best for a blessed Christmas and New Year.

Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley
General Secretary
American Baptist Churches

American Baptist Churches USA