July 15, 2002
Texas WMU creates network to serve those outside BGCT
___By Ferrell Foster
___Texas Baptist Communications
___DALLAS--Texas Woman's Missionary Union voted June 27 to launch "WMU of Texas Network" as a means for churches, groups and individuals not associated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas to "have a relationship" with the state WMU.
___Texas WMU's board of directors unanimously approved the recommendation from its program policy committee. Churches, groups and individuals who financially support the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas missions or Texas WMU endowment options will be able to join the new network.
___Creation of the network does not change Texas WMU's longstanding relationship with the BGCT, and WMU board members still must be members of BGCT churches.
___"We're trying to build bridges" to people whose churches are no longer part of the BGCT or never have been, said Carolyn Porterfield, executive director of Texas WMU.
___Some non-BGCT churches have expressed interest in supporting Texas WMU, and some individuals in such congregations want to continue to be involved in BGCT ministries, such as those supported through the Mary Hill Davis Offering, she explained.
___"We have women out there who have become victims, and we don't want to revictimize them," said Christine Hockin-Boyd, adult consultant for Texas WMU.
___Porterfield noted that "these are not easy days. Churches are making difficult decisions."
___The new network will allow WMU to continue providing "field service" to churches that otherwise would be off limits, she said.
___In a later report to the board, Porterfield said: "Churches are calling our office asking for guidance as they make decisions about their future missions involvement and support. The issues are complicated and become very emotional because churches and individuals are changing relationships that have existed for decades."
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