'BUBBA' and other new names rejected by Southern Baptists

(RNS) As Southern Baptist Convention leaders recently weighed changing their denomination’s name, they were bombarded with suggestions. Hundreds of them. Here are some of the more intriguing rejects. By Adelle M. Banks.

Photo courtesy of the Southern Baptist Convention

Adelle M. Banks

February 23, 2012 at 2:47 p.m. ET

(RNS) As the Southern Baptist Convention recently weighed changing its name, denominational leaders were bombarded with suggestions. Hundreds of them.

Most suggestions avoided the word “Southern” but one hinted at the denomination's regional flavor: Baptist Ultimate Bible Believing Alliance, or BUBBA.

In the end, leaders recommended the unofficial moniker “Great Commission Baptists.”

Here's a sampling of some of the more intriguing rejected names:

— Association of Thriving Baptist Churches

— Baptist Southern Convention

— Christian Synergy Convention

— Ends of the Earth Baptists

— Eternal Baptist Convention

— Friendly Family Church of America

— Global Association of Immersing Christians

— Global Association of Immersing Evangelicals

— Jesus Christ is Lord Baptist Convention

— League of Baptist Messengers

No paywalls here. Thanks to you.

As an independent nonprofit, RNS believes everyone should have access to coverage of religion that is fair, thoughtful and inclusive. That's why you will never hit a paywall on our site; you can read all the stories and columns you want, free of charge (and we hope you read a lot of them!)

But, of course, producing this journalism carries a high cost, to support the reporters, editors, columnists, and the behind-the-scenes staff that keep this site up and running. That's why we ask that if you can, you consider becoming one of our donors. Any amount helps, and because we're a nonprofit, all of it goes to support our mission: To produce thoughtful, factual coverage of religion that helps you better understand the world. Thank you for reading and supporting RNS.

Deborah Caldwell, CEO and Publisher

Donate today

1	news As polyamory gains visibility, monogamy faces a vote in the Presbyterian Church (USA)
2	news Willy Rice, Florida pastor and abuse crisis skeptic, elected SBC president
3	news Defense Department to drop atheists, pagans, 175 others from list of military faiths
4	news Defense Department rejiggers list of recognized religions after backlash, narrows it to 30
5	news Kate Bowler on unexpected joy, even in the midst of pain

	Martini Judaism Europe's stained glass is stained with antisemitism Jeffrey Salkin (RNS) — You think that the Middle Ages are history? Not so fast. The same libels against Jews remain with us today.
	The State of Belief What Democracy and Religion Look Like Across America Paul Brandeis Raushenbush Find out how local Interfaith Alliance affiliates are on the front lines in the work of defending religious freedom and democracy with leaders from Iowa, Tennessee, and the national office in Washington, DC
	Complexified Building God, Fearing Doom: The Theology of Superintelligence Rev. Amanda Henderson Inside parts of Silicon Valley, AI is not just a tool. It is a vision of salvation, extinction and a future beyond the human.