11.   Bond said the congregation was pleased the building would remain a house of worship.

12.   Although each Baptist congregation is autonomous, the statement is viewed as the closest thing the denomination has to an official creed.

13.   About half his congregation is from Brooklyn, the rest traveling from other parts of the city, Long Island, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

14.   Both the Antioch and New Hope congregations are mainly white.

15.   But it could not legally prevent them from doing so, because such congregations are self-governing.

16.   But it could not legally prevent them from doing so, as such congregations are self-governing.

17.   But NOD leaders said the interfaith campaign has stalled because most congregations are not interested in reaching out to people with disabilities.

18.   But Summit said the congregations he visited were willing to go to great lengths to create more energy and feeling through song.

19.   But summit organizers say that while congregations certainly are capable and willing, they also are obliged to hold governments accountable so they will not completely abandon the poor.

20.   But the congregation is aware of how much of an impact it can have on the surrounding community, he added.