In Depth:  Anthony Walker

Dear Sir,

In response to David Stone’s article ‘Churches together?’ (en February 2017) I would wish to affirm, so there is no misunderstanding, the total independency of each Baptist Church before the Lord as a self-governing congregation, and also that the Regional Ministers (formerly Superintendents) who look after each area in the UK are in no way ‘Free Church bishops.’ They are there to guide, help, encourage and advise our churches, particularly at difficult times or in a period of pastoral vacancy, and for that we respect and value them. However they wield no authority over any local fellowship. I write this as both a Baptist Minister and as one who has worked closely with some of our Regional Ministers over the years, people who are such an asset to us.