CBF proposal on 'limiting membership' clarified

story published in your March 10 issue

Members of the Fellowship will vote during the 2001 General Assembly in Atlanta in June on a series of proposals developed by a strategic planning team and approved by the Coordinating Council that, if approved, would amend CBF's Constitution and Bylaws in ways that will clarify what it means for a Baptist church or individual to partner with the Fellowship in worldwide missions and ministry.

Contrary to the implication of the above headline, not one person or church who now qualifies as a "member" under the current constitution and bylaws would be disenfranchised by these proposed changes. Indeed, rather than "limiting membership," these changes are intended to encourage broader participation in the life of the Fellowship.

We understand the challenges of writing succinct headlines for complex stories. However, we would urge readers who want to know more about these significant proposals to consult two additional resources - first, a news story titled "Council Approves Reorganization" posted on CBF's Web site www.cbfonline.org, and, second, a question-and-answer article to be published in the May issue of CBF's fellowship! newsletter. (To receive a free copy of the May issue, call [888] 801-4223.)

A.G. Bullard
Raleigh, N.C.

Bob Patterson
Winston-Salem, N.C.

(EDITOR'S NOTE - Bullard is a member of the National CBF Coordinating Council, and Patterson is the coordinator of CBF - North Carolina.)