The Baptist Peace Fellowship

Our Historic Covenant (1931) is:

We members and adherents of Baptist Churches, covenant together to renounce war in all its works and ways; to do all in our power, God helping us, to make the teaching of Jesus Christ effective in all human relations.

The BPF AIMS to provide a fellowship for Baptists who find that the use of military force cannot be reconciled with the teaching of Jesus Christ and His acceptance of the Cross. We ally ourselves with those who seek nonviolent means to confront and overcome injustice and so work at all times for the things that make for peace in national, community, church and personal life.

WE DO NOT BELIEVE that we have all the answers but will be led to witness in ways appropriate to the conditions in which we find ourselves. We aim to engage with our fellow Baptists on these issues so that they may come to see that armed conflict does not lead to long term peace. Like the early Christians we endeavour to talk to those whom we meet about the good news of the gospel of the Prince of Peace.

wThe publication of literature relevant to Baptists and Peacemaking.

wThe organisation of meetings and conferences. We are willing to talk to groups in churches

wThe raising of issues of justice and peace at the Annual Assembly or through the Council of the Baptist Union. Issues are also aired through the columns of the Baptist Times.

wLiaising with the Mission Department of the Union on the Decade to Overcome Violence.

wWorking with other Christian Peace Groups through the Network of Christian Peace Organisations. We are affiliated to the Campaign against the Arms Trade.

wMany of our members attend peace demonstrations and draw attention to peace issues through writing letters to M.P.’s and Government.

Officers: President Revd Alan Betteridge

33 Cannon Hill Road

Coventry CV4 7DE

024 7641 9206

Secretary; to whom membership applications should also be addressed.

Gillian Collins 19 Southcot Place, Bath BA2 4PE

Tel; 01225 312794 Email: gma_collins@yahoo.co.uk

Treasurer: Mrs Tina Parsons, 17 Vicarage Close

Littlemore, Oxford OX4 4PL