Recently his [Ken Smith's] wife Helen stood unopposed for the
position of President Elect of the Queensland Baptist Union. Normally
such an election would be a formality. However, many delegates were
sent a letter which presented nothing but the fact that Ken Smith was
given “special acknowledgement” by a leading humanist in his Bible-mocking
book, was a high-profile member of the Skeptics, plus some of the grossly
anti-Christian articles produced by this organisation without a whimper of
protest from Smith (again, we are very grateful to John Stear for
providing such good ammunition). [I point this out because the Skeptics
have claimed that this was “a grossly defamatory letter” when it merely
presented the facts — admittedly I would regard it as a grossly
defamatory attack on my integrity and intelligence if I were
accused of being a member of the Skeptics!] So almost twice the usual
number of delegates turned up to the meeting, and a majority voted against
Mrs Smith. Presumably they were astute enough to realise that such a
close connection to the predominately atheistic Skeptics was not a good
thing for a president of the Baptist Union which officially believes in
biblical inerrancy!
Helen Smith's Response
I feel great sadness
when I read comments such as those made against my husband and I by Jonathon
Sarfati. To my knowledge neither my husband or I have ever met the gentleman
and so he has no knowledge of us, our ministry within the community or our
background. However, if he does feel free to make derogatory comments, then in
the interests of truth at least he should make sure he has the facts right.
Actually, I was
elected to the position of President Elect of the Baptist Union of Queensland
(BUQ) at the Annual Assembly meetings of that Union. I took up the duties of
this position and then found that there were those who were working behind the
scenes to have my election declared out of order. I was shown a letter from a
Queensland Baptist Church that deplored the fact that the Union had allowed a
woman even to be nominated for the position and I have to say that this did
not surprise me.
I had been in
leadership positions for some years within the Union, mostly in ministry to
women, but was the first woman ever to be elected to the Executive of the BUQ
. I had become very aware of the attitude of some to women in leadership and
knew the situation would be difficult.
For some months prior
to the Assembly, God had been making me aware that I must let myself be
nominated as President Elect, so when a church approached me on this subject I
had no option but to obey the call. Then, when it was decided that a further
vote on my election would be held at an upcoming Quarterly Assembly meeting of
the Union, I knew that whatever happened God would still be in control and
left the matter in His hands.
The letter referred to
by Jonathan Sarfati was sent out only a few days before the Quarterly
Assembly, no copy was sent to me.
It is certainly true
that almost twice the number of delegates was present at this Quarterly
meeting but I think I may be forgiven for thinking that the Assembly was
stacked, as most of the delegates did not remain for the rest of the meeting
but left after the vote for me was taken.
Obedience to God has
its own consequences and His use of me was transferred to a place within the
community where I had the opportunity for a very rewarding ministry. As well I
took up leadership in an Ecumenical Organisation.
Jonathan Sarfati's
comments on the Skeptics and my husband are quite out of order. I have for
long been aware of the hatred Jonathan Sarfati and his ilk have for my husband
and I find it quite unbiblical and unchristian and unworthy of comment by me
except to say that it does great damage to the spreading of the Gospel within
the community.
Helen Smith
