Park Cities affirms '63 statement, rejects chan

The Baptist Standard, October 9, 2000

Park Cities affirms '63 BF&M, rejects changes
___DALLAS--Park Cities Baptist Church has reaffirmed its commitment to the 1963 version of the Baptist Faith & Message while publicly expressing a desire to "distance itself from the actions and directions of the Southern Baptist Convention."
___The church studied and rejected the 2000 version of the Baptist Faith & Message adopted by messengers to the SBC annual meeting in Orlando in June.
___"As we read and understand the recent changes to the 1963 Baptist Faith & Message, we conclude that the Southern Baptist Convention is now a different denomination theologically," said Pastor Jim Denison. "It has adopted a statement of faith that departs from the historic Baptist views of authority, interpretation of Scripture and individual church autonomy."
___Denison said he is "grateful for every person the Southern Baptist Convention can win to Christ and for every good thing they can do for God's kingdom. However, we as a church family now believe that the Southern Baptist Convention is simply a different denomination than it has been historically."
___The Park Cities study began with the church's denominational relations committee, which brought a recommendation to the full church Oct. 1. The committee recommendation not to affirm the revised Baptist Faith & Message was approved.
___The vote "was the culmination of a lengthy process that was initiated last year," said committee Chairman Cam Zachry. "It involved numerous meetings with various groups throughout the church and a forum open to all members. Out of the process came a clear sense that it is the consensus of our members that we convey to our community and beyond that Park Cities Baptist Church is and always has been a traditional Baptist church.
___"At the various meetings and open forum, many of our members also expressed a desire that Park Cities Baptist Church distance itself from the actions and direction of the Southern Baptist Convention."
___The vote to affirm the committee's report should be seen as a clear step in that direction, he added.
___Park Cities Baptist Church is the leading congregation in total missions giving through the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Last year, the church gave $1.03 million, including $525,000 to the Texas Cooperative Program.

Š2000 The Baptist Standard