Constitution and Bylaws

Constitution

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this organization shall be Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, hereinafter sometimes referred to as SBCV

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

As an autonomous state convention cooperating with the Southern Baptist Convention, the purpose of Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia is to assist churches in Virginia and surrounding areas in effectively proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, starting new churches, and ministering to all people in the name of Christ.

ARTICLE III - DOCTRINAL POSITION

We believe that the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, wholly without error as originally given by God, and is sufficient as our only infallible rule of faith and practice. We deny that other books are inspired by God in the same way as the Bible. The fundamental truths to which we are committed are expressed in The Baptist Faith and Message, 1963*, with the clarification of inerrancy as described above. The doctrinal position of the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia shall not be binding upon any local church; however, the Convention recognizes its right and responsibility to determine its identity, including doctrinal parameters, and to include within its affiliation those individual affiliates and churches who can freely agree with it, and to exclude chose churches who do not. All employed staff of the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia are expected to agree with and fully support the body's doctrinal position and shall complete a signed statement of doctrinal affinity. Failure to demonstrate concurrence with tile doctrinal stance of the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia shall be sufficient reason for termination of employment of any employee of the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia.

ARTICLE IV - RELATIONSHIPS

While autonomous in its own affairs, Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, recognizing the autonomy of other Baptist bodies, disclaims all right of exercising authority over any church, association, or convention. However, the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia may rescind the affiliation of any individual affiliate or church which shall, in the judgment of Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, depart in doctrine or practice from the affiliation qualifications set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws.

Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia is open to cooperation with other Christian bodies insofar as the SBCV determines that such cooperation does not compromise the doctrinal stance of the SBCV.

88 - BOOK OF REPORTS - 2000

* Note: The BFM reference will be changed to the 2000 version in October 2001 at the SBCV annual meeting.