The Centenary Congress, a five-yearly event, is returning to England to mark the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) in London in 1905. With the theme "Jesus Christ, Living Water", between 10,000 and 15,000 Baptists will gather from around the world.

The Congress has alternated its venue on a regular basis. In 1990 it was Seoul, Korea; in 1995 it was
Buenos Aires, Argentina and for the millennium year of 2000 it was Melbourne, Australia.

The 2005 Congress will be the highly significant and meaningful Centenary event, and will returns to its mother land in England. It will be held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Birmingham with evening celebrations taking place next door at the National Indoor Arena (NIA).

A Baptist World Congress could be described as a Baptist Olympic Games without the medals. There are
43 million Baptist Christians in 200 countries of the world, and this five yearly Congress is an opportunity for as many of those as possible to join together for a life changing experience. The Congress is a very colourful experience where Baptists gather and are surrounded by fellow Baptists of all experiences and cultures, many often in magnificent National costumes.

The Congress programme begins on the evening of Wednesday 27 July 2005 and officially concludes late in the afternoon on Sunday 31 July 2005. The programme includes inspirational evening events featuring lively celebrations, excellent Bible teachings, moving testimonies and musical contributions from Baptists worldwide. Morning Bible studies will feature top Bible teachers from around the world and various styles of worship to choose from. Afternoon workshops, seminars and fringe festivals, an exhibition hall, dynamic concerts revealing the rich, varied musical talent of the world family, and worship led by gifted worship leaders from around the world with musical and other creative art contributions will also be on show.

There is special Youth Track for all young people from 11 years upwards to be involved with, headed up by Youth Specialists from across Britain. During the Congress period, a number of specialist streams will operate, in particular there will be one for Pastors. Further specialist seminars will also take place throughout the afternoons.

The Birmingham Accommodation Bureau will be organising all hotel, guest house and university accommodations.