Shared ideals fire up Baptists

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"Joel Baucom, a 25-year-old divinity school student at Campbell University, occasionally finds it difficult to be a Baptist these days.

"When I introduce myself, I say 'I go to a Baptist church,' " he said. "But I quickly have to add, 'Not that kind of Baptist church.'"

At a time when many Baptists feel they must qualify their affiliation because of the often controversial stands taken by the Southern Baptist Convention, a gathering of more moderate and liberal Baptists aims to recast that image and create a competing identity for Baptists.

The New Baptist Covenant Celebration, the creation of former President Carter, will bring together 30 racially and theologically diverse Baptist groups from across North America. The goal is to demonstrate unity on issues such as ministry to the poor, environmental stewardship and respect for religious diversity."

newsobserver.com | Shared ideals fire up Baptists