Let’s take a stand

In Decatur on April 13 we face a new referendum on Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages.

I know that there are a multitude of opinions on this topic. I, for one, am opposed to the sale and use of all alcoholic beverages on any day because I have seen the devastation that alcohol abuse causes in communities, churches and families.

As alcohol sales increase, domestic violence increases and safety on our highways decreases. Lives are destroyed forever.

However, to politicians and restaurant owners alike, this is not a moral issue, nor is it a public safety issue. It is all about increased tax revenues and profit margins.

Since it is about money for them, I am asking for Southern Baptists across the state of Alabama to demonstrate what will happen when church members stay out of the restaurants on Sunday to protest Sunday liquor sales.

On Palm Sunday — March 28 — I am asking that you eat at home, join together with friends and families or do what we at Southside Baptist will do — have a churchwide fellowship meal following our morning worship service.

Let’s take a stand together. Thank you in advance for your support.

Ben Hayes
Pastor, Southside Baptist Church
Decatur, Ala.