After appeal, BGCT again denies exhibit space to Southwestern

FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) — For the second time in as many years, the Baptist General Convention of Texas has denied exhibit space at its annual convention to Southwestern Seminary.

BGCT President Albert Reyes wrote to the seminary Sept. 29 that the school did not meet the qualifications required to be a BGCT exhibitor. The seminary, he wrote, had not affirmed “support of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, its mission and its leadership.”

Seminary officials, though, cited a letter sent to the BGCT Aug. 1 that did just that. In the letter requesting exhibit space at the BGCT in Austin Nov. 14-15, Gary Redding, director of alumni relations at Southwestern, wrote that the seminary supports the mission statement of the Texas convention.

“By providing theological education for pastors, staff members, and members of churches affiliated with the BGCT, Southwestern Seminary not only affirms, but assists the BGCT and its leadership in its mission as it ‘encourages, facilitates and connects churches in their work to fulfill God’s mission of reconciling the world to himself,’” Redding wrote.

Last year the BGCT cited “disheartening changes” in the SBC and its “unsupportive direction” toward the Texas convention as the reason for the denial.