Alabama Baptists called for changes in the Alabama constitution and state laws by passing a resolution on racial fairness and reconciliation.
Retired Alabama Baptist Pastor Charles T. Carter, James H. Chapman Fellow of Pastoral Ministry at Samford’s Beeson Divinity School, worked with Thomas E. Corts, president of Samford, on the resolution.
“God chose no favoritism, neither should we,” Carter said. “God is no respecter of men.”
Carter said he hopes the resolution will speed up efforts of racial unity across the state. “We want to do everything we can to eliminate racial prejudice in our state.”
The resolution, which passed without debate, requests that the Alabama State Legislature and officials consider amending public laws and documents so no racial minority is denigrated or embarrassed by exclusive language, and that language of racial inclusiveness be the standard for all future laws and documents. It also asks that Alabama Baptists do all in their power to assure that Alabama seeks to have a record of racial fairness.
Out of the 11 resolutions passed, only one sparked debate. Paul Hicks, pastor of Northside Baptist Church, Cullman, raised a question about the wording of a resolution on Alabama Baptist unity.
In affirming that unity, the resolution recognizes that “differences of biblical interpretation do exist and the freedom to influence others and to band together for a common cause is proper and helpful in keeping our Baptist family in unity.”
The resolution encourages “open dialogue in the Baptist family” and affirms “the commitment of our Alabama Baptist churches to remain committed to evangelism and missions, education and ministry.”
Regarding the resolution’s phrasing, Hicks said, “The wording of this resolution is too vague to be adopted. What does ‘differences of biblical interpretation’ mean?”
‘Desire for unity’
Resolutions committee chair Curtis Kelly responded by noting that the committee recognizes not everyone believes the same on every theological point. However, “Baptists ought to come together in spite of those differences. This resolution best affirms our desire for biblical unity.” The resolution passed with some dissenting votes.
Four resolutions in memory of Alabama Baptist leaders who had passed away in the previous year were unanimously adopted. They honored W.A. Criswell, Vernon G. Davison, Norman Henry “John” McCrummen Jr. and R. Hobson Shirey.
Other resolutions adopted were:
• Appreciation for Sigurd Bryan — for his loyalty and contributions to Alabama Baptist churches and Samford University.
• Woman’s Right to Know Act — appreciation to those involved in passing act and encouragement to those responsible to enforce and practice the requirements of the act.
• Lottery Gambling — reaffirming the opposition of Alabama Baptists to gambling in any form, specifically the lottery, and resolving to send a copy of the resolution to the governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators and media.
• The Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag — opposing the action of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in removing the words “under God” from the pledge, and calling on Congress, the president and the U.S. Supreme Court to use all possible legal avenues to overturn the action.
• Appreciation — to Shades Mountain Baptist Church and others helping with the convention.
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