http://www.abc-usa.org/WhoWeAre/OurHistory/tabid/80/Default.aspx
The American Baptist Church (ABCUSA) is a Christian denomination first established in America in the year 1638 by Roger Williams. The origins of the Baptist Church can be seen in late 16th Century English Congregationalism, which rejected the prevalent “parish” structure of the Church of England. A new concept was developed whereby membership to the church was voluntary and, unlike other Christian denominations at the time, baptism was limited to believers.
There are approximately 1.3 million members of the American Baptist Church with five and a half thousand congregations nationwide. Large concentrations of Baptists (also known as ‘Southern Baptists’) can be found in the South region of the United States, with around1302 counties being classed as Baptist. American Baptists and Southern Baptists, among others, have grown apart from the common tradition bought to America by Williams, placing more emphasis on independent worship and stating the importance of each believer to be in a “direct relationship with God”. The ABCUSA also stress the importance of playing “witness to Christ”, stating that it “is an on-going task of every Christian” This message can be seen clearly in the ABCUSA mission statement:
The American Baptist Church (ABCUSA) is a Christian denomination first established in America in the year 1638 by Roger Williams. The origins of the Baptist Church can be seen in late 16th Century English Congregationalism, which rejected the prevalent “parish” structure of the Church of England. A new concept was developed whereby membership to the church was voluntary and, unlike other Christian denominations at the time, baptism was limited to believers.
There are approximately 1.3 million members of the American Baptist Church with five and a half thousand congregations nationwide. Large concentrations of Baptists (also known as ‘Southern Baptists’) can be found in the South region of the United States, with around1302 counties being classed as Baptist. American Baptists and Southern Baptists, among others, have grown apart from the common tradition bought to America by Williams, placing more emphasis on independent worship and stating the importance of each believer to be in a “direct relationship with God”. The ABCUSA also stress the importance of playing “witness to Christ”, stating that it “is an on-going task of every Christian” This message can be seen clearly in the ABCUSA mission statement:
“American Baptists are a Christ-centered, biblically grounded, ethnically diverse people called to radical personal discipleship in Christ Jesus. Our commitment to Jesus propels us to nurture authentic relationships with one another; build healthy churches; transform our communities, our nations and our world; engage every member in hands-on ministry; and speak the prophetic word in love.
As a people of prayer, purpose, and passion, we are in the forefront of creating a community of faith where people of every race, nationality and culture gather as one in worship, service and work.
The heart of the gospel is God's redemptive love. In our life together, the world will see the power of forgiveness to overcome alienation, the strength of love to transform hate, the power of grace to break the bonds of guilt, the triumph of hope over despair, and the victory of faith over doubt.
Through the cross of Christ we embrace the world as neighbour. Our vision for mission energizes a multitude of servant ministries of evangelism, discipleship, leadership, new church development, social justice, healing, peace-making, economic development and education. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we work together in mutual submission, humility, love, and giving that the gospel might be preached and lived in all the world.”
In relation to the American identity, the ABCUSA holds many values that we have become familiar with when studying America. For example, the importance of independence and ideas surrounding family and the community. As well as this, the ABCUSA recognise the significance of the diversity of the American identity, stating "American Baptist Churches celebrates the racial, cultural and theological diversity withnessed within its memership" and that they "support relgious freedom and respect the expressions of faith of others".
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