Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, SportsUPDATE: Southern Baptist Panel Unveils Add-On Name

UPDATE: Southern Baptist Panel Unveils Add-On Name

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NASHVILLE, Tenn -

The Southern Baptist Convention is looking for an answer to concerns that the name of the organization is too regional.  A panel that was looking into options about changing the name has offered an add-on description for SBC leadership to consider. 

They suggested "Great Commission Baptists" as a way to give the SBC an official, sanctioned identity to affiliated churches and believers who don't want to use the term "Southern."  SBC President Bryant Wright, has said he is concerned that the "Southern" name is too regional and hinders the faith's efforts to expand.

The panel rejected a complete name change, according to a release from the Associated Press.  The rejection was reportedly because of legal costs and difficulties, but also because of the positive associations the Southern Baptist name holds, specifically with it's disaster relief organization.