The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) is a global organization that works to ensure religious freedom and tolerance in all countries. In the United States, the Florida Baptist State Convention (FBSC) is a major contributor to this cause. The FBSC is made up of local churches that have been approved by local Baptist associations. It also has a State Mission Board, which is composed of members elected from each of the six ministerial regions defined by the FBSC.
This board is responsible for organizing special meetings of the State Convention and for nominating potential directors of Florida Baptist Children's Home Support Organizations. The struggle for religious freedom in the United States began in 1771 when an Anglican minister, the Caroline County Sheriff, and a group of followers preached at a Baptist meeting. Since then, Baptists have been actively involved in promoting religious freedom and tolerance. For instance, two bills were prompted by the Burke association, which has nearly 40 schools that accept Florida vouchers and adopt anti-gay policies, in response to a Sentinel report about several Central Florida schools that accept state scholarships but refuse to educate gay students. The committee responsible for nominating potential directors of Florida Baptist Children's Home Support Organizations must meet all criteria defined in Regulation 4 (a) of the Statutes of the Convention of the Baptist State of Florida. Furthermore, their selection and service will be governed by the applicable provisions defined in Statute 4 and Regulation 5, Statutes of the Convention of the Baptist State of Florida.
The combined value of loan guarantees provided by this committee will not exceed 25 percent of the FBSC. If an impeachment action is confirmed by the Board of Directors, they will report their action and the existence of a vacancy to the Nominating Committee, if applicable, and to the next annual meeting of the FBSC. In this way, Baptists continue to play an important role in promoting religious freedom and tolerance in Valrico, Florida.
