Heritage Commission
of the
Baptist World Alliance
Chair: Dr Eljee Bentley The Baptist World Alliance
The Baptist World Alliance
(BWA) is a global fellowship of Baptists in every continent of the world. There
are 195 Baptist unions and conventions in over 200 countries that have a
membership of more than 43 million baptized believers. This represents a
community of approximately 100 million Baptists joined in the Baptist World
Alliance which unites Baptists worldwide, leads in world evangelism, responds
to people in need and defends human rights.
The Baptist World Alliance
was established in 1905 (Click here for a brief history up
to 1965)
The BWA has several
departments and sections to carry out it work. One of those sections is the
Heritage Study and Research Commission, which along with the other Commissions,
is under the direction of Rev. Tony Cupit. The division of Study and Research
has recently produced an introductory book on the life and faith of Baptists, We Baptists.
Covering history, beliefs, ethics, worship, church life and leadership, and
human rights, this book has been written for members and enquirers and with
local church study groups in mind.
The Heritage
Commission was established in 1985 “to investigate and promote the
meaning of Baptist heritage and identity” on a global and local level through
whatever means are available. It meets annually at the BWA General Council
sessions, at the five-yearly BWA Congresses and at other times as required.
Membership is drawn from every continent and includes many who are active
practitioners of Baptist history in their own area and on an international
level.
Officers for 1995-2000
Chair: Dr Eljee Bentley (USA)
Vice-Chair: Dr Richard V. Pierard
(USA), Dr John Briggs (UK)
Secretary: Dr David Priestly (Canada)