New Baptist Covenant site has been updated

[Big Daddy Weaver]

[Bruce Gourley]

A few observations:

* A "lot of politicians" are on the program simply because Baptists who happen to be politicians are among the more visible, and influential, Baptists in America.

* The planners of the meeting tried to get Baptists who are Republicans to be a part of the meeting, but few who are both Baptists and Republicans have publicly expressed an affinity in biblical Christianity that emphasizes the social Gospel ministries of Jesus. Some Republicans were invited, and refused. One was invited, accepted, and later declined.

* The meeting is designed not to promote or highlight denominational structures (organizations), but as a gathering of Baptists who are concerned about the full scope of Gospel evangelism and ministry.

* This meeting may be the most diverse large, publicly-visible (both qualifiers are necessary) gathering of Baptist groups nationwide since the old Triennial Convention meetings of the early 19th century (and probably more diverse still, as African-Americans had no voice in the TC meetings). One can certainly argue that the BWA meetings held in the U.S. are very diverse, and this is true. But I'm not sure that any BWA meeting held in the U.S. has garnered such extensive public and media interest (and scrutiny) as has the New Baptist Covenant. As to Southern Baptists, many Southern Baptists will be present, but without the blessing of the SBC leadership.