NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Southern Baptists first considered changing their name in 1903. Leaders have seriously proposed it at least 13 times since then.
Now, Southern Baptist Convention President Bryant Wright hopes a compromise of sorts could put the issue to rest by adding the moniker "Great Commission Baptists."
A task force formed by the nation's largest Protestant denomination recommended to church leaders on Monday that they should not completely change its name. Rather, they say the "Great Commission" name gives an official option to those who might not embrace the "Southern" name and identity.
The task force ruled out a complete legal name change, saying it would have been too costly and difficult, among other reasons.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
