I served as the Chairman of the Tellers’ Committee at
the annual meeting of the 2000 Louisiana Baptist Convention, my first LBC convention
to attend.
I served as the Chairman of the Tellers’ Committee at
the annual meeting of the 2000 Louisiana Baptist Convention, my first LBC convention
to attend. I wish to publicly thank those who served on the committee with me.
Your support and assistance were wonderful and are deeply appreciated.
I must commend Bro. Tommy French for the excellent manner in
which he and the parliamentarian and the Sergeant-at-Arms handled the proceedings
of the business sessions.
However, my commendations do not extend to those who chose
to behave themselves in a manner that is inconsistent with standards of Christian
deportment. While I am fully aware that there are many issues in our convention
that divide us, attacks on the character and integrity of other Christians are
always in poor taste. I was labeled by at least one person as a “turncoat”
and by another as an “invader.” Personally, I turned against no one
and invaded no one’s turf.
Rudeness and inconsiderate acts have no place in a public forum.
We as Christians are to be a light to the world. Based on some of the reports
made in the secular press, the lamps that we lifted in Alexandria were not of
the nature that reflects well on Louisiana Baptists or the Master. While listening
to the president’s address, I noticed that a number of people left the
hall, evidently because of their personal disagreement with some of his points.
While I too did not agree with all the points made in the address, I believe
that he should have the forum to express those thoughts and the courtesy of
the assemblage to remain to hear them.
In conclusion, I want to urge all Louisiana Baptists to join
forces to further the Great Commission. To do less is to do a great disservice
to our Lord.
James W. Campbell
Shreveport