FALL 2021 23 On Monday, October 25, 2021, in his first stop in the United States as elected President of the Baptist World Alliance, Argentinian Baptist leader Dr. Tomás Mackey spoke to DBU students in Chapel, to faculty and staff at a special luncheon, and then to an evening dinner gathering of Hispanic leaders from across the State of Texas. The annual luncheon held in the Great Hall was sponsored by the T. B. Maston Foundation, with several board members who attended and were recognized. The Foundation honors the legacy of renown Baptist theologian and ethicist T. B. Maston (1897-1988). DBU has a rich history with the BWA, hosting the past four BWA presidents and three BWA general secretaries on campus, including Dr. Elijah Brown, the current General Secretary of the BWA. Dr. Jay Harley, Vice President for Student Affairs, gave the opening welcome, followed by a prayer led by DBU Provost, Dr. Norma Hedin, and introductory remarks shared by Dr. Adam C. Wright, DBU President. Dr. Elijah Brown introduced Dr. Tomás Mackey and affirmed DBU’s long-standing and intricate partnership with the important work of the BWA through the years, a relationship which began under the presidency of Dr. Gary Cook. The BWA is a global community connecting Baptist churches and educational institutions from around the world, 27% of which live, worship, and minister today in hardship contexts of hunger, war, and persecution. In his address, Dr. Mackey engaged the question “What Christian Thought Do We Need?” and spoke on the need for global Baptists to continue cultivating the development of Christian moral thought that, above all, reflects the character and love of Christ. Dr. Mackey holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he served as dean and as professor, as well as a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Divinity degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. DBU HOSTS BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE PRESIDENT DR. TOMÁS MACKEY FOR T.B. MASTON LECTURE SERIES He and his wife, Febe, have been married since 1975, and they have two children and two grandsons. “It was a providential occasion to have BWA President Dr. Tomás Mackey on campus for our T.B. Maston Lecture Series,” shared Dr. Wright. “DBU deeply cherishes our partnerships with both of these important organizations, and we remain committed to supporting the work of Baptist communities around the globe seeking to bring moral transformation through our redemptive hope in Jesus Christ.” Dr. Adam C. Wright, Dr. Tomás Mackey, and Dr. Elijah Brown
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