Methodist Criticizes So. Baptist Policy

DALLAS — An editorial in the nation’s largest Methodist weekly criticizes Southern Baptists for a policy requiring employees to profess that the Bible is true in all areas--historically, scientifically and theologically.

The editorial by the Rev. Spurgeon Dunnam III, editor of the United Methodist Reporter, calls the policy “disturbing” and “regrettable,” adding:

“Pragmatically, adopting a policy that attempts to dictate the beliefs of others is more likely to polarize and increase disunity among Southern Baptists than to produce the sought-after conformity. Theologically, Protestant Christians long have emphasized that one’s conscience should be regarded as inviolable.”