As a Collective Prophetic Witness in and from the United States and Canada, the North American Baptist Fellowship (NABF) stands united in our faith in Jesus Christ and our commitment to justice, peace, and truth. This statement is a spiritual declaration rooted in the Gospel, the authority of Scripture, and our shared Baptist convictions. It calls us to discipleship, unity, and mutual encouragement, beginning within our churches, institutions, and fellowships across North America.

The NABF is a sacred space that allows for respectful dialogue and differing viewpoints while holding fast to the unity we find in Christ and the values we share. We strive to maintain the areas where we are like-missioned and like-minded, fostering an environment of love, respect, curiosity, and courageous listening. Our unity is not uniformity, but a shared commitment to love, justice, and the ongoing work of God in the world. We believe that our strength lies in the power of the Holy Spirit, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God made manifest in the world. Therefore, with one voice, we proclaim:

1. We Profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Affirm the Authority of the Bible as Our Guide.

John 1:1, 14 (NIV) – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Our fellowship is built on the shared belief that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord. We believe Jesus is the Living Word of God and the fullest revelation of God’s love. We treasure the Bible as our sacred guide, shaped by generations of faith, through which we seek wisdom, clarity, and the call of God for our lives and communities. While we may hold different understandings about biblical interpretation, we stand together in our commitment to follow Jesus and proclaim his Good News.

2. We Celebrate the Sacred Worth of All People (Imago Dei).

Genesis 1:27 (NIV) – “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

We affirm that every person is made in the image of God and bears divine dignity, value, and purpose. Since all people are created in God’s image, all people deserve equal access to the rights, resources, protections, and opportunities of their communities and countries. We decry violence in all forms, especially when used to dominate, oppress, or suppress. We stand for policies, treatment, and frameworks that advance justice, protect the vulnerable, and promote peace grounded in our shared value for all human life.

3. We Speak with Prophetic Boldness and Life-Giving Words.

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) – “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

We believe that proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ is central to our mission. As a collective prophetic body, we are called to speak truth with love, encouragement, and courage, to this region, to the world, and to one another. Through word and deed, we invest in the development of the next generation and bear witness to the hope of Christ. Our voices reflect faith, generosity, kindness, and truth.

4. We Affirm the Strength of Our Diversity in Advancing the Mission of God.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV) – “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”

We celebrate the beautiful diversity within our North American region and the strength we gain through inclusive, equitable communities. We renounce all forms of hatred, racism, sexism, ageism, ableism, and xenophobia. We affirm the God-given callings and leadership of all believers, including women, young people, newcomers, and elders. In faith and mutual support, we collaborate creatively for the flourishing of all, as central to building mutuality and shared ministry, advancing the authentic purpose and participation of our churches, communities, and global witness in the mission of God, the Missio Dei.

5. We Uphold Human Rights and Religious Liberty.

Jeremiah 22:3 (NIV) – “This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.”

We champion the historic Baptist commitment to religious liberty, soul freedom, human dignity, and the autonomy of the local church. We cherish an environment where believers are free to follow Christ faithfully according to the leading of the Spirit and the truth of Scripture. All people, regardless of faith, should be free to worship or refrain from worship, reflecting God’s gift of free will. Churches must be protected as sanctuaries of refuge amid the hardships and horrors of the world. As a sacred space of mutual respect and trust, NABF is committed to fostering theological diversity, shared compassion, and courageous dialogue as we work together to build the Kingdom of God. We also honor the sacred autonomy and safety of all member bodies of the Baptist World Alliance, and the dignity of the nations they represent, as an expression of our shared witness and mutual respect within the global Baptist family.

6. We Stand with the Poor, Vulnerable, and Marginalized.

Proverbs 21:3 (NIV) – “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

We embrace our calling to care for the poor, uplift the vulnerable, and stand in solidarity with those pushed to the margins. We commit to sharing our resources generously within the  NABF family and beyond, supporting one another as we embody mutual care, strengthen one another, and advance God’s work together. We champion systems that reflect compassion, equity, justice, and equitable opportunities for all.

7. We Steward God’s Creation and Promote the Common Good with Compassion.

Psalm 24:1 (NIV) – “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

We believe that caring for creation is a matter of worship, responsibility, and justice. We promote policies and practices that support environmental stewardship, economic fairness, and shared civic responsibility. We seek the well-being of all people and places, advancing the common good in our churches, communities, and nations.

Conclusion: The NABF Faithfully Stands Together in Hope, Courage, and Unity

Matthew 25:40 (NIV) – “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and  sisters of mine, you did for me.'”

We are the North American Baptist Fellowship, standing together in courage, faith, and prophetic unity. We are not afraid. We are not divided. We are not without hope. In the name of Jesus Christ, we will act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.

View the PDF version of this Statement:
NABF Statement of Standing Together (Adopted March 10, 2026)