Dr. William C. Byrd Jr.’s financial support of the mission of the Baptist Joint Committee spans more than 30 years. A retired physician from Kerrville, Texas, Byrd first became aware of the BJC during the years the Southern Baptist Convention was considering pulling support from the organization. Byrd heard former BJC Executive Director James M. Dunn speak at Baptist meetings and began reading his writings. Later, at gatherings for the newly formed Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Byrd began meeting many leaders who were strong supporters of the BJC.The Baptist Joint Committee’s support of church-state separation makes the organization and its work unique in Byrd’s eyes. “There is no other single entity that will use a donation so effectively to push for separation of church and state,” he said.
Byrd is among a growing number of donors who have included the BJC in their estate plans. Grateful for the work the BJC is presently doing, Byrd wants to ensure that work continues in the future. By leaving the BJC in his will, Byrd will leave a legacy of religious liberty.
If you are interested in making a planned gift to secure the long-term influence of the BJC, please contact Taryn Deaton, director of development, at [email protected] or 202-544-4226.
From the September 2012 Report from the Capital.
