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The truth about the IMB and the Baptist Faith and Message

Heard false rumors about missionaries resigning because they are being forced to sign a creed? Want to know the truth? 

If a missionary candidate disagrees with anything in the BF&M,  they simply state that area of disagreement, right on their personal Statement of Christian Beliefs document (part of the missionary screening process). It is reviewed along with all other application documents.

Here's the statement our short-term missionaries are asked to sign while at screening conference:

In accountability to the International Mission Board and to Southern Baptists, I agree to carry out my responsibilities in accordance with and not contrary to the current Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention.

To read the 2000 edition >> BF&M  

Check out these links:

1. IMB trustees terminate service of 13 for refusal to affirm BF&M - May 9, 2003
2. Rankin makes final BF&M appeal, sets May 5 deadline - April 11, 2003
3. Five Myths About the IMB - Nov 7, 2002
4. Trustees affirm Rankin BF&M letter - March 19, 2002
5. False ‘creedalism’ charges fuel Texas BF&M action - February 28, 2002
6. Text of Rankin’s second letter to missionaries - February 19, 2002
7. Missionary Gordon Fort’s letter to the Baptist Standard - February 14, 2002
8. Rankin speaks out: No creed is being imposed on missionaries - February 14, 2002
9. President asks missionaries to sign BF&M affirmation - January 31, 2002
10. Text of the letter to IMB missionaries - January 31, 2002
11. How the IMB has used the Baptist Faith and Message — Historical data