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By Will Hall, Message Executive Editor NASHVILLE, Tenn. (LBM)—The Southern Baptist Convention has canceled the annual meet ing that had been scheduled for this summer in Orlando, Florida. Ronnie Floyd, president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee in Nashville, made the announcement, saying it was a decision “that has not been made in 75 years,” referencing 1945, during World War II, when the U.S. government banned meetings of groups larger than 50 people. Floyd said the action was consistent with Article XI.4 of the SBC Constitution, which includes the provision, “The Convention officers, the Executive Committee, and the executive heads of the Convention’s boards and institutions acting in a body may, in case of grave emergency, cancel a regular meeting or change the place of meeting.” “In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic which we believe constitutes a grave emergency, it is in the best interest of the SBC to cancel the Annual Meeting … out of a deep concern for the health and safety of messengers and attendees,” Floyd said. His announcement was preceded by a 75-0 vote by the SBC Executive Committee to cancel; combined with a unanimous vote to the same effect by Convention officers and SBC entity heads. … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer NEW ORLEANS (LBM) -- Pat Shaffer’s childhood memories are filled with recollections about backyard Bible clubs and other special times spent with missionaries who lived at the Baptist Friendship House. She has not lived in New Orleans since her family moved to Kentucky in 1953. But Shaffer’s thoughts are not far removed from the fond times spent there with her parents, Henry and Mildred Stein, who founded the ministry 75 years ago. “I hate to use the word proud, but I am,” Shaffer told the Baptist Message. “I’m proud that it’s still there. I’m proud of Executive Director Kay Bennett; and, I’m proud of all the lives that have been touched through the years at this wonderful ministry – so many lives changed for the better.” Shaffer is among several hundred people expected to take part in a September 28 reunion at the Baptist Friendship House in honor of its 75th anniversary. The event, scheduled from noon to 2 p.m., will feature refreshments and guests will hear testimonies from Shaffer, Carolyn McClendon, former BFH director and Wanda Lee, former WMU executive director. “I want to celebrate everybody who has worked in this ministry,” Bennett said. “Being here for 75 years … [Read more...]