President Bill Clinton was included in the initial planning for the New Baptist Covenant gathering slated for Atlanta in January.  He is also included as one of the attendees and speakers during the gatherings.  President Jimmy Carter is a prime mover in the effort to bring North American Baptists together for this historic meeting.  The involvement of these two Baptist laymen has led some to dismiss the occasion as mere Democratic Party politics in a presidential election year.  I have earlier urged all to wait until after the meeting to judge it.  Deliberate effort has been made by the planners to broaden participation, not only politically, but also across the spectrum of all North American Baptists.

            Another criticism has been leveled against the inclusion of President Clinton.  This criticism has to do with his morals, particularly the public scandal concerning his improprieties with a White House intern.  Some Baptists, apparently, feel he is too tarnished to be a leader in a new Baptist initiative.  In days of old, his home church, according to the practice of most churches of the time, would have “churched” him, i.e. kicked him out.  We don’t do that anymore.  Now such a fallen member would not be considered for church leadership.  But, otherwise, the “sinning” brother or sister who chooses to return or to remain in the church is welcomed as part of the fellowship.  And quite often their subsequent experience and proof of character allows them to become true assets to the congregation.  I have seen it happen in my ministerial experience.

            One reason this approach to sinning church members has evolved is the realization that none of us is perfect and Jesus carefully instructed us to not judge one another.  Indeed, our generation has seen dozens of high profile religious leaders and Christian television personalities fail miserably.  Many of these, if not most, through public repentance and requests for forgiveness, have resumed their religious leadership, even if in a lesser arena.

            I confess, I don’t know much about President Clinton’s private life, or his spiritual life.  All I know is what I see on television and read in the newspaper.  Therefore, I am in no position to defend his morals.  Nor can I speak to his spiritual life.  But if I did know the truth, and could speak authoritatively, I am constrained by the command of Jesus to not judge him or anyone else.

            But should Clinton have been included in the New Baptist Covenant convocation?  Let us consider. He is still a member of his local church, a bona fide Baptist.  He is not assuming the leadership of any Baptist entity.  He is not being featured as a role model.  He is a former president who is still admired by many in the population.  He is one of the highest profile Baptist laymen in North America.  Could a gathering meant for ALL Baptists in North America leave him out?  For a movement intended to unite all Baptists, despite their differences, to begin by deciding which Baptists not to invite, would be a very poor start. And with all his baggage, I think it is proper to include this very high profile Baptist, a former president, on the program.

Mel Deason  Executive Director of Alabama Mainstream Baptists