Alliance of Baptists

The Alliance of Baptists is a fellowship of Baptist churches and individuals. The Alliance was formed in 1987, by congregations that separated from the Southern Baptist Convention during the 1980's fundamentalist/modernist controversy. Emphasis is placed on freedom, open inquiry, ecumenism, theological education, and social & economic justice. In contrast to most of the Southern Baptist Convention and much of the wider Baptist movement, the Alliance has emphasized women's ministry and encouraged women to seek ordination and senior pastorates. Its ecumenism can be seen in its partnering with the American Baptist Churches in the USA, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Progressive National Baptist Convention, membership in the Baptist World Alliance, and cooperation with the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, the United Church of Christ, and the World Council of Churches.

In 1999 the Alliance had an estimated 64,000 members in about 130 churches. The Alliance is involved in missions, endorsement for chaplaincy & pastoral counseling, and assistance in placement of ministers in ministerial jobs. Leadership is vested in three officers - President, Vice-President and Secretary - and a 40-member Board of Directors. Membership is open to churches and individuals through the payment of an annual membership fee.

External Links

• The Alliance of Baptists Web Site
• Ecumenical Affairs: the Partnering of Alliance of Baptists and the United Church of Christ

Sources

• Dictionary of Baptists in America, Bill J. Leonard, editor
• Handbook of Denominations, by Frank S. Mead, Samuel S. Hill, and Craig D. Atwood