Wasington D.C. Historic Sites
Historic Significance:
The Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs grew
out of a meeting of the Southern Baptists in 1936. Realizing the need to occasionally
represent their views and concerns to the American government, a committee
was formed. In 1937, the Northern Baptist Convention established a similar
committee. In 1939, the National Baptist Convention joined with the Northern
Baptists. In 1946, an office was established in Washington D.C. The Committee
has been in the forefront of efforts to foster religious liberty in America
and around the world. They have been a leader is issues of the separation of
church and state. They have championed the cause of Baptist groups around the
world which often suffer persecution. Two Baptist General Conference individuals
have played a large part in the work of the Baptist Joint Committee. After
serving as Dean of Bethel College, C. Emmanuel Carlson moved to the directorship
of the Baptist Joint Committee where he served from 1954 to 1971. Dr. Carlson
established much of the modern reputation of the Baptist Joint Committee. Then
in 1965, Walfred Peterson, a professor of political science from Bethel College,
went to the Baptist Joint Committee where he served as research director for
three years, The BGC is a constituent member of the Baptist Joint Committee
Address and Directions:
The BJC is one block east of the U.S. Supreme Court
Building at 200 Maryland Avenue, N.E. in downtown Washington, D.C.
Historic Significance:
The Baptist General Conference has been a member of the Baptist World Alliance for many years. Many Conference pastors and officers have been leaders in this organization which unites Baptist fellowships from all over the world.
Address and Directions:
405 North Washington St., Falls Church, VA 22046
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