Motion for reconciliation voted down

Southern Baptists declined to establish a committee aimed at healing fissures between conservatives and moderates in Baptist state conventions.

Messengers voted down the motion, which asked the SBC president, in consultant with state leaders, to appoint a committee aimed at bringing together various “sub-groups” in Baptist life.

Morris Chapman, president of the SBC Executive Committee, said a committee is not needed, because fellowship issues such as doctrinal views were decided at the national level by the SBC Peace Committee 10 years ago.

The convention approved another messenger’s motion, however, instructing the SBC president to write a letter to radio personality Dr. Laura Schlessinger commending her “courageous stand” against homosexuality. Schlessinger, who is Jewish, has done much to promote “Judeo-Christian” principles, said Wiley Drake of California, who made the motion. (Compiled from wire services)