The groups involved are: the National Baptist Convention of America, the National Baptist convention USA, the Progressive National Baptist Convention and the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America. They have an estimated combined membership of more than 10 million people.
The Rev. Sam Tolbert of Louisiana is the general secretary of the National Baptist Convention of America. He said the delegates will meet separately for convention business but come together for discussions about cooperating in disaster relief, evangelism and addressing social issues such as HIV/AIDS and justice.
Many delegates will remain in the city for another convocation, the Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant, championed by former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. As many as 20,000 Baptists from across racial, political and theological lines are expected to attend Wednesday through Friday.
Both events are open to the public and free.
On the Web: www.nationalbaptist.com
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/1/206252