Ella Prichard cannot remember a time when she did not know about the Baptist Joint Committee. Her mother and Baptist Training Union taught her about the principles of religious liberty and separation of church and state from the time she was a very young child.
Prichard has had the chance to know all five of the BJC’s executive directors. While a student at Baylor University, she got to know members of Dr. Joseph M. Dawson’s family. “I also knew Dr. James Wood through the Baylor Honors Program,” Prichard recalled. “And, I’ve known Dr. James Dunn, one of my heroes, and now Brent Walker. This is part of my Baptist identity.”
Prichard believes the First Amendment to be Baptists’ greatest contribution to public affairs in the history of our nation. “Baptists are in danger of forgetting our history, that we were a poor, persecuted minority,” she said. “Separation of church and state matters. I want the story to be told to future generations — of the U.S. Congress, Baptists and the entire faith community.”
Ella’s financial support of the BJC started soon after the Southern Baptist Convention de-funded the BJC. “I think the BJC is the most respected and influential voice for religious freedom and separation of church and state in the country.”
In addition to annual financial support, she recently joined the James Dunn Legacy Circle, which honors those benefactors whose estate gifts will ensure the BJC’s mission and ministry into the future.
As a staunch advocate for historic, distinctive Baptist principles, Prichard wants to see the BJC’s work and influence carry on into the future. “We live in a post-denominational society and — if tonight’s news was correct — an increasingly post-Christian society,” she said. “Even our Baptist churches tend to be more independent, less cooperative, keeping more money for local missions and ministries. Those of us who care about religious liberty and separation of church and state need to provide a financial base to ensure the BJC’s future.”
If you have included the BJC in your estate plans or would like more information about naming us as beneficiary of a will or retirement plan, please visit our website at BJConline.org/planned-giving and fill out the simple form. You may also contact Development Director Taryn Deaton at 202-544-4226 or email [email protected].
From the June 2015 Report from the Capital. Click here to return to the cover story.
