Southern Baptist president calls for racial reconciliation

JACKSON, Tenn. — More than 170 years after the Southern Baptist Convention’s creation, the predominately white denomination says they need to build a bridge over the racial divide.

“Really, the times in our country demand us to address this and seek reconciliation,” Union University President Dr. Dub Oliver said.

Union is the oldest affiliated institution with the Southern Baptist Convention.

Oliver said it’s the Baptist church’s duty to undo the racial lines drawn with the convention’s origins.

“There may be differences in worship style. There may be differences in terms of how we like to do congregational policy and make decisions, but there should be no division that’s set about based on race or ethnicity,” Oliver said.

Events such as the combination of the two First Baptist Churches in Jackson, and Union University and Lane College’s collaborations to discuss the racial barrier in the Hub City show there are already efforts being made to bring races together through faith.

“I think that these are all hopeful signs,” Dr. Oliver said. “And I think that as you look at many of these churches too, you see diversity within those churches and you see a lot of partnership for the encouragement and flourishing of all people.”

There are 41 Southern Baptist churches in Madison County.