The online version of the Christian Recorder contains an important article describing an historic summitt meeting between the four largest black Baptist denominations in America. The Nashville meeting was also attended by several AME General Officers. Can we ever achieve unity among the three major black Methodist denominations (AME, AME-Z & CME)? Has ecclesiastical separatism and denominational chauvinism finally run its course? The future of black mainstream denominations MUST come to grips with our institutional shortcomings and challenges or else our young adult members (22-35) will NOT return to our churches. See the link: http://fas2.net/FAMILY/Baptists02.htm QED

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2005

Answers

Bill, I'm sure you realize that there are FOUR main baptist groups because they split. Most of the splits were caused by the lack of Discipline in the election of officers to lead the organization (Presidents for life, handpicked successors, etc.). I find many baptists adopting our processes including conferences, etc.

Be Blessed pastor paris

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2005

In a word, no.

Has ecclesiastical separatism and denominational chauvinism finally run its course?

No.

"The future of black mainstream denominations must come to grips with out insittutional shortcomings and challenges or else our young members will not return to our churches?

Many are already flocking to "Word" "Bible" and "non-denominational churches" because they do not care for the "denominational chauvinism. Many of the young people just want to "get their praise on."

Just opinions, no facts.

God bless!

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2005