N.C. Baptists react to divorce metaphor
By Norman Jameson
BSC Communications
A Raleigh News and Observer article March 23 characterizing the proposal for a new relationship between the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSC) and its five colleges as a "divorce," drew swift and negative reaction from all parties involved in the proposal.
Jesse Croom
News articles and a column by BSC Executive Director-Treasurer Milton A. Hollifield Jr., are posted at ncbaptist. These articles present a more accurate picture of the new relationship proposed by the colleges - a proposal endorsed by the board of directors executive committee March 6.
"At no time has the leadership of any of the institutions expressed a desire to 'get out of the Convention,' Croom wrote in the Biblical Recorder issue dated March 31. "On the contrary, it was stated in the recommendation from the Council on Christian Higher Education to the Executive Committee that the institutions 'desire to continue a strong and supportive relationship with the Convention and the churches.'
"The institutions have no desire to get out of the Convention or to be divorced from the Convention," Croom said.
In their proposal, the five colleges propose over a four-year period beginning in January 2009 to elect all their own trustees; give up Convention funding of $6.1 million; and establish a scholarship program to be administered by the BSC staff.
Additionally, the colleges commit to "continuing to have a significant portion of trustees who are members of churches in friendly cooperation with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina."
They ask the privilege to continue to report at the annual meeting and retain membership in the CCHE, and "thus remain affiliated with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina."
Hollifield said in his endorsement, "I am pleased a half century of deliberation and contention over funding and governance could be drawing to a close."
"I accept the spirit and intent of this proposal and endorse it whole heartedly," Hollifield said. "This action would resolve a recurring issue that makes it appear at times as if the Convention and our colleges and universities are at odds with each other. We are not at odds."
"This new affinity would move us from a relationship of obligation to a relationship of trust."
The News and Observer article implied the colleges were seeking "divorce" from the Convention in part because of Convention action in November 2006 barring from membership churches that endorse homosexual behavior.
"That assertion is ludicrous," Hollifield said. "Each of the schools has a strong, biblical position in its bylaws concerning homosexual behavior, and we are on the same page."
The story's assertion that the November vote might have something to do with the college's decision to change their relationship with the Convention created a flood of inquiries from news outlets across the nation, some of whom lost interest when they learned there was nothing to that allegation.
The News and Observer story also called the five colleges "the last holdouts of a once-proud assemblage of Baptist schools."
"There is nothing 'once proud' about our schools," said Hollifield. "Our schools are strong and growing stronger. More than 15,000 students from 48 states and 65 countries are receiving a quality education with a Christian worldview that will prepare them for success in their chosen careers - not only as professionals, but as persons of faith making a real difference in their families, churches and communities."
