wfn.org | ABCUSA: Luis Fidel Mercado, Former Seminary President and Regional Executive, Dies

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Richard.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 2/25/04)--The Rev. Dr. Luis
Fidel Mercado, former American Baptist seminary administrator and regional
executive, died Feb. 20. 

Mercado retired in 1994 after serving 18 years as president of the
Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico, one of ten seminaries and theological
schools related to American Baptist Churches USA.  

Previously he was executive minister of the (then) Puerto Rico Baptist
Convention from 1972 to 1976. In that position he emphasized Christian
stewardship, the development of highly qualified professional and lay
leadership, ecumenical dialog and ministry, and community involvement.	He
also was president of the convention several times.

Additionally Mercado held pastorates in Puerto Rico, was principal of the
Baptist Academy of Barranquitas and served as dean at the Hispanic Urban
Center in Los Angeles.	He also had been a member of the American Baptist
Churches USA General Board.  

"Luis Fidel Mercado's powerfully influential ministry was firmly rooted in
Christ's call to teach and make disciples," said American Baptist Churches
USA General Secretary the Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley. "He had a great and
inclusive commitment to the local church, its leaders and the denomination
that serves them.  American Baptists were blessed by his leadership and
vision."	 

Viewing will be 7-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27 and 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at
Advent Funeral Home, 7211 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22046.	A funeral
service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Ravensworth Baptist
Church, 5100 Ravensworth Rd., Annandale, VA 22003-5556. 

Condolences may be sent to his wife, Clara, and family in care of Ravensworth
Baptist Church.

K/2004ABNS/04ABN23  

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA x2077
/ (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org