(RNS) The Baptist World Alliance has re-elected its general secretary, Denton Lotz, to another five-year term.

Lotz, whose new term will begin in 2005, recently addressed members attending the alliance’s first General Council since the Southern Baptist Convention voted to withdraw its funding and membership from the global body based in Falls Church, Va.

“We wish to affirm again, for all to know, our adherence to the historic doctrines of our faith,” he said, affirming their belief in salvation solely through Jesus Christ.

Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention, which officially ends its relationship with the alliance Oct. 1, thought the alliance was no longer presenting such a “crystal clear gospel message.”