DALLAS — Calling it a "marginalized organization which is having a smaller and smaller influence for the Gospel of Christ around the world," Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham wants to leave the Baptist World Alliance.

According to Baptist Press, Graham endorsed a study committee's recommendation that the SBC withdraw from the alliance at the start of the coming fiscal year, on Oct. 1.

"In a world full of terrorists and extremists, we do not have time to play religious games or become bogged down in the quagmire of Baptist debates," Graham said in a statement. "It is time for Southern Baptists to move on and get busy fulfilling the Great Commission in our lifetime."

Graham said he endorsed the nine-member study committee's recommendation because Southern Baptists desire to work with likeminded believers who share a strategic commitment to the Word of God and the message of Christ.

"I appreciate very much the leadership of Baptist World Alliance President Dr. Billy Kim and respect very much his deep devotion to Christ. There are many other dynamic leaders and participants in the Baptist World Alliance," he said.

"However, now is the time for Southern Baptists to become more and more aggressive in linking with Baptists and other like-minded evangelicals in advancing the Kingdom of God. Southern Baptists do not need to apologize for our forward-thinking faith and determination to cooperate with those who are truly impacting the world."

Graham encouraged churches and state conventions to develop new Baptist and Christian alliances worldwide which will genuinely commit to the task of world evangelism.

Theological concerns were cited as the core reason for the study committee's recommendation, the news service reported.

The theological problems, according to the committee, involve an increasing influence of positions contrary to the New Testament and to Baptist doctrines.

"A decided anti-American tone has emerged in recent years, the committee noted. "Continued emphasis on women as pastors, frequent criticisms of the International Mission Board of Southern Baptists, refusal to allow open discussion on issues such as abortion, and the funding of questionable enterprises through Baptist World Aid provide just a surface sampling of what has transpired in recent years."

The SBC would maintain its current funding in the BWA until Oct. 1, 2004. For a number of years, the SBC allocation to the BWA had been $425,000 per year. That amount was reduced to $300,000 during last June's SBC annual meeting in Phoenix.

The committee anticipates the allocation would be diverted to the new SBC "Kingdom Relationships" global initiative.