Baptists and Freedom of the Press

Baptists and Freedom of the Press
___Freedom of the press is as vital and sacred for Baptists as it is for America. It is a freedom that touches us all, a freedom that searches for truth and openness regardless of their implications. Baptists fought and died for such freedoms. A controlled press denies soul competency, priesthood of the believer, personal respect for the individual, local-church autonomy and a spirit of trust and cooperation. A controlled press feeds hidden agendas under the guise of holy action, manipulation under the guise of management, takeover under the guise of transformation, sinfulness under the guise of saintliness, control under the guise of credibility, arrogance under the guise of accuracy, dogmatism under the guise of doctrine, distortion under the guise of denominationalism, power under the guise of purpose and cover-up under the guise of cooperation. Controlling the flow of news and information to Baptist minds and hearts is unthinkable and destructive.
___The Baptist Standard, the news journal for Texas Baptists since 1892, is the crown jewel of state and national Baptist news sources. It continues to provide the best in innovation and creativity, always guided by the pursuit of truth and editorial freedom. The Baptist Standard maintains its independence and receives no Cooperative Program funds and, therefore, owes its primary allegiance to God and to conscience. The board of directors vows freedom of the press without fear or favor. The outstanding executive staff of the Baptist Standard is committed to reporting the news with honesty and integrity.
___Texas Baptists must be cautious of one-sided, unbalanced, agenda-driven news distribution. Such imbalance often is the case with Baptist Press, the news agency of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention. Baptist Press serves the Executive Committee rather than truth. Baptist Press often offers Baptist people information that is misleading and inaccurate, that is opinion rather than fact, that is self-serving rather than truth-serving.
___The Baptist Standard board of directors urges all Texas Baptists —— laity and clergy alike —— to discern what is factual. The Baptist Standard has been and continues to be the most trusted means of communication for Texas Baptists. Whether through the weekly printed edition or the online version, it is the best source of truthful news and information. In the Baptist Standard, you will read articles covering both sides of the issues, providing a healthy balance. You can trust the Standard to tell the truth. Sometimes, reading about difficulties within our Baptist family is painful, but we believe you have a right and a responsibility to know and be well informed.
___An informed Baptist is an authentic Baptist. It is the Baptist way.
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___Approved by Baptist Standard board of directors, April 20, 2001