During the 199th annual meeting of the Alabama Baptist State Convention Nov. 15 & 16, Alabama Baptists embraced the theme “Celebrate” by sharing what God has done, what God is doing and what God will do in the future. 

Resolutions

Resolutions on marijuana legalization and protecting children were among the seven resolutions approved by messengers. Resolution number 3 “Calling for Repeal of Legalization of Medical Marijuana in Alabama,” urges cities and counties in the state to refuse to pass resolutions permitting the opening of medical cannabis dispensaries within their jurisdictions. The resolutions committee noted awareness of how medical cannabis is an option for pain management in some cases but their concern is the law being a gateway for legalized recreational use.

Resolution number four, “In Support of the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act,” expresses support for legislation that protects minors from transgender medical procedures and treatments and encouragement for elected officials who have passed and defended such bills.

For more information about the resolutions discussions, visit tabonline.org/resolutions2022.

Officers elected

Officers for the Alabama Baptist State Convention for 2022–23 were elected, and they are: Buddy Champion, president; Morgan Bailey, first vice president; Jarman Leatherwood, second vice president; Debbie Oliver, recording secretary; and Mike Jackson, statistical secretary and registration secretary.

Messengers also heard from Willie McLaurin of the SBC Executive Committee, Robert Smith of Beeson Divinity School at Samford University, convention president Buddy Champion and Joel Carwile of First Baptist Church Athens. 

Sexual Abuse Task Force update

The Sexual Abuse Task Force, which was formed during last year’s annual meeting, fulfilled its purpose of reviewing the policies and practices of the Cooperative Program-funded state convention entities and auxiliaries, including the State Board of Missions, related to sex abuse. 

Task force chairman Craig Carlisle told messengers the task force is confident in the measures these organizations are taking in the training and prevention of sexual abuse for their employees and those they serve.

The task force also compiled a resource for churches to better educate and equip them for being “on the frontlines” of preventing sexual abuse. That resource is available at tabonline.org/preventsexualabuse.

With the close of this meeting, the Alabama Baptist State Convention is kicking off a year of celebration for 200 years of serving together. The celebration and commemoration will culminate at the 2023 annual meeting Nov. 14 & 15 at First Baptist Church Montgomery.