Kentucky readies for showdown
___By Trennis Henderson
___Kentucky Western Recorder
___RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. (ABP)--It's six months away, but political leaders already are gearing up for a showdown at this year's Kentucky Baptist Convention.
___The fundamentalist Kentucky Baptist Laymen's Network is holding regional meetings across the state.
___Mainstream Baptists of Kentucky, a moderate group that formed earlier this year, has announced plans to host a series of meetings in early summer.
___The laymen's network, led by John Michael of Louisville, endorsed a slate of candidates for KBC office last year. All three candidates supported by the network fell short.
___Promotional material for the late spring meeting in Russell-ville stated the laymen's network is designed to "help defend our convention from outside influences which would tend to undermine our work and witness for Christ."
___"When people are informed with the truth," the material added, "they can do what is necessary to keep liberal, unbiblical influence from our Kentucky Baptist Convention."
___Host Pastor Robert Tarrence said the laymen's network affirms the inerrancy of Scripture and the 2000 version of the Baptist Faith & Message. The group opposes such issues as homosexuality and women serving as senior pastors.
___"I want to hold onto the state of Kentucky," Tarrence told the group. "If the moderates get their way, they will turn this state convention into something I can't support."
___Herb Booth, chairman of the moderate Mainstream Baptists group, said his organization's goal is to encourage enough like-minded messengers to attend the KBC annual meeting and influence the outcome of the presidential election.
___The series of Mainstream Baptists meetings began May 29 in Erlanger. Leaders are discussing how individuals can be involved in the group and how they plan to prepare for the KBC annual meeting.
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