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Welcome to the website of American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island. We are an association of 67 autonomous American Baptist congregations that have joined together to engage in God’s mission within our communities, our state, and beyond.
ABCORI has a long history of shared ministry and association. Some of our churches trace their cooperative ministries all the way back to the Warren Association which was established in 1767. Our churches value a call to ministry that is unique to their own communities, as well as the shared fellowship and encouragement that is available in their association together.
Board 0f Ministries Makes Decision About ABCORI Property
Making a difficult decision that will have significant impact is never to be taken lightly nor approached casually. That is why the ABCORI Board of Ministries devoted several years to serious discussion, prayerful reflection, and careful review of extensive financial data, two special task force reports, related information from a variety of other sources, and ABCORI’s challenging insurance situation before making a decision about the future of ABCORI’s property.
On July 9, the Board of Ministries voted unanimously to begin the process of selling ABCORI’s Canonicus Camp and Conference Center in its entirety.
The sale of the property will generate funds to expand the ministries and programs ABCORI provides for its member churches and their pastors, as well as to develop new ministry opportunities.
The details of the sale are yet to be determined. Possibilities include seeking a buyer(s) who would develop all or portions of the property for new uses and/or selling some or all of the property for conservation.
The board’s Executive Committee is to gather specific information about those possibilities. The full board then will discuss and vote on the specifics of the sale once that information is available.
Sharing Sessions
Recognizing that people within ABCORI churches will have questions about the board’s decision and the impact it may have on future ABCORI ministries and programs, the Board of Ministries has planned two sessions during which background information leading to the board's decision will be shared and ideas solicited for ways to move forward.
These sharing sessions are scheduled for:
Background Information
While information will be shared during the two sharing sessions, the attached background information may provide a helpful context for understanding the ABCORI Board of Ministries’ decision. (Click here for the background information.)
Making a difficult decision that will have significant impact is never to be taken lightly nor approached casually. That is why the ABCORI Board of Ministries devoted several years to serious discussion, prayerful reflection, and careful review of extensive financial data, two special task force reports, related information from a variety of other sources, and ABCORI’s challenging insurance situation before making a decision about the future of ABCORI’s property.
On July 9, the Board of Ministries voted unanimously to begin the process of selling ABCORI’s Canonicus Camp and Conference Center in its entirety.
The sale of the property will generate funds to expand the ministries and programs ABCORI provides for its member churches and their pastors, as well as to develop new ministry opportunities.
The details of the sale are yet to be determined. Possibilities include seeking a buyer(s) who would develop all or portions of the property for new uses and/or selling some or all of the property for conservation.
The board’s Executive Committee is to gather specific information about those possibilities. The full board then will discuss and vote on the specifics of the sale once that information is available.
Sharing Sessions
Recognizing that people within ABCORI churches will have questions about the board’s decision and the impact it may have on future ABCORI ministries and programs, the Board of Ministries has planned two sessions during which background information leading to the board's decision will be shared and ideas solicited for ways to move forward.
These sharing sessions are scheduled for:
- Saturday, August 24, 10-11:30 a.m. at Oak Lawn Community Baptist Church in Cranston (several steps are required to enter the building).
- Tuesday, August 27, 7-8:30 p.m. at Wakefield Baptist Church in Wakefield (a ramp is available to enter the building).
Background Information
While information will be shared during the two sharing sessions, the attached background information may provide a helpful context for understanding the ABCORI Board of Ministries’ decision. (Click here for the background information.)
American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island
54 Exeter Road
Exeter, RI 02822
(401) 294-6318
[email protected]
54 Exeter Road
Exeter, RI 02822
(401) 294-6318
[email protected]