Baptist Historical Society
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'The first Baptists wanted religious liberty to be free to worship God as they saw fit, not as prescribed by the Establishment of Church and State. To their credit, they argued that this freedom must apply to all, including those of other faiths (they knew and specified Judaism and Islam). Soon they extended their advocacy to other freedoms. At their best, Baptists are strong advocates for human rights. Baptists maintain their early principles: the Bible as primary guide to faith and action; the priesthood of all believers, not needing intermediaries to approach God (setting some apart as ministers but not as priests); the need to share the gospel; the competence of the local church to take decisions and act independently, while glad to work with other churches; the advocacy of religious liberty and other human rights.'