June 3, 2002
TOGETHER:
Paper preserves freedom, faithfulness
___Most journalists love these words of Jesus: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). Christian journalists understand that Jesus Christ is the truth that truly sets us free. Jesus said: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Because Jesus so treasured the truth that he used that term to identify himself, Christian journalists cherish the truth. They want to tell the truth. It is, in the deepest sense, an act of worship and adoration for their true Lord and Savior.
___As I travel across Texas, I hear many expressions of gratitude for the Baptist Standard, Editor Marv Knox, Managing Editor Mark Wingfield and their staff. Most Texas Baptists are grateful for editors who are committed to telling the truth.
CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___Sometimes, though, people say to me: "Why can't you get the Baptist Standard under control? It is too political. People don't want to read bad news in their church paper."
___People can only be free to make good decisions when they have good information. No one has to agree with the editorials or like the news. But Baptist people need information if they are going to be effective and exercise their vote in church and convention life.
___Furthermore, I don't control the Baptist Standard or the editor. In some states, the Baptist newspaper is an organ of the state convention's executive board. The Baptist Standard has always been free of the control by the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board or executive director. A board elected by messengers to the BGCT governs the newspaper. That board is responsible for electing the editor and assuring that the Baptist Standard speaks the truth and is faithful to biblical and Baptist doctrine. The newspaper's charge is to speak to Texas Baptists, not for Texas Baptists.
___Through my years as a pastor, our church mailed the Baptist Standard to every home. I wanted our people to understand what was going on in Baptist life. I wanted them to know about the extraordinary accomplishments of our missionaries and the extensive reach of our educational and human care institutions. What we read in the Baptist Standard gave us common ground for discussion. In our church, we never expected that we would all agree on everything, but we could learn to discuss in meaningful ways the important achievements and the critical issues in our Baptist world.
___I know this: Marv Knox, son of a Baptist pastor, loves and believes the Bible with all his heart. He cares deeply about Baptist families and our common witness in the world. He is fully devoted to Jesus Christ and yearns for all Texans to know our Savior.
___You may not agree with all that he says. But I can tell you this: What he says is what he believes. What he wants for Texas Baptists is what we all want--faithful obedience to Christ, loving hearts for all who live around us, honesty and justice, integrity and mercy in all our relationships, and passionate commitment to share the gospel of Christ here and around the world.
___Some may feel that the Baptist Standard is a detriment to the Baptist General Convention of Texas. But I believe, as do many of you, that as long as there is a Baptist Standard with editors of courage, faith and grace, as we have had across the years, Texas Baptists will be free, and we will be faithful.
___We are loved.
___Charles Wade is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas
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