environment is preserved...As members of the Baptist

all, seeking to bring people together, as

family, we pledge ourselves to sacrificial giving for this

brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, whatever

purpose, and to provide resources to enable all to share

may be their ethnic identity.

the good news of salvation in their own cultures and

languages.  

7. We affirm that:

7.1 All people are made in the image of God and

Derbyshire Declaration

25

have the potential to live in the way God

 We give thanks to God that...countless new

intends people to live.

congregations are being established in urban, suburban

and rural areas, among various ethnic and effective means

8. We resolve therefore that:

to fulfill the Great Commission, is the establishing of new

8.2 We will address the vital issue of

congregations...We encourage new churches both to

congregational attitudes in a variety of creative

disciple and nurture new converts...being witnessing

ways being challenged by God's Word, which

communities that oppose injustice and work for peace. 

says,  be not overcome by evil but overcome

evil with good. 

Hope for a Needy World Reaching out to

Unevangelized People Guidelines for Action

26

For Example:

 Baptists of the world need to work with each other, and

a) Through EVANGELISM, which proclaims the Gospel

others, to seek to ensure that every person has the

of Jesus Christ to be the power that brings radical

opportunity to respond to God's offer of love in Jesus

change to human attitudes and behavior.

Christ in a meaningful and authentic way...The Biblical

b) Through WORSHIP events, which celebrate the

mandate to preach the Gospel to all people, and its

richness and wholeness of the body of Christ as it is

picture of representatives from all tribes and languages

experienced in its ethnic fullness and beauty.

before God's throne in the last days, adds a sense of

c) Through EDUCATION programs that develop

urgency to reach every person with the Gospel in the

curricula with biblical and ethical values that make

name of Jesus Christ...Affirm the importance of learning

people sensitive to the evil of racism.

from and respecting people of other religions while

d) Through FELLOWSHIP experiences and initiatives

remaining totally committed to the truth that Jesus Christ

that bring different people together and help validate

is unique and the only way to find salvation and peace

and affirm persons of various ethnic backgrounds.

with God. 

e) Through PROPHETIC ACTION that addresses

matters of justice, peace and other major issues, which

Harare Declaration

27

can produce understanding and combat racial attitudes

2. We resolve therefore, that as members of 

among people.

the body of Christ:

2.1 We will seek to stand as a prophetic witness

that exposes and challenges the sin of racism.

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

(Christian Church)

2.2 We will endeavor to serve as Christ's presence,

healing that which is broken through a

Now, by the grace of Jesus Christ and trusting in the

ministry of reconciliation, uniting us with

transformation power of God our Creator, we invite the

God, neighbors and ourselves.

church to confront the sins of racism, individually, and

collectively.

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3. We affirm that:

3.1 In the beginning, God made humankind in

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a scriptural 

harmony with the Creator, with neighbors,

based faith community that denounces racism as

with nature and with self, a harmony shattered

conflicting with foundational beliefs:  There is no longer

by the demonic rise of human self 

Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no

centeredness.

longer male and female; for all are one in Christ Jesus 

(Galatians 3:28 29).

29

The Disciples are clear that  [r]acial

6. We resolve therefore to:

and cultural prejudice are prevalent forms of sin within

6.1 Respond to God's intention of wholeness for

our church and our communities. 

30

 Racial prejudice is

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DENOUNCING RACISM