Judge Roy Moore and the Ten Commandments showed up at the Alabama Baptist State Convention annual meeting in Mobile Nov. 19.
While not literally present, Moore and his Ten Commandments’ stand sparked the only debate during the two-day meeting at Cottage Hill Baptist Church.
Alabama Baptists also condemned gay marriages the same day the Massachusetts Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriages.
Messengers to the convention passed a resolution affirming that legal and biblical marriage is between one man and one woman.
The resolution supporting the freedom of religious expression and the public display of the Ten Commandments was presented to messengers with written acknowledgement of Moore’s support “for the constitutional rights of Alabamians and Americans to acknowledge the moral foundations of our society as expressed in the Ten Commandments.”
While no debate came over the aspect of supporting the display of the Ten Commandments, the mention of Moore’s name did cause concern among some messengers. After a few minutes of discussion an amendment was approved by about two-thirds majority that removed Moore’s name.
The amended version says, “Many civic leaders have demonstrated their support …” instead of “Judge Roy Moore and other leaders have demonstrated their support … .”
Howell Easterling, a messenger from First Baptist Church, Mobile, proposed the amendment.
“Dr. (Larry) Michael confirmed that the resolution is not about a personality but a resolution on the Ten Commandments,” Easterling said. “Let’s make this consistent with what it is supposed to be, not on a single person’s behavior or misbehavior.”
Larry Michael, chair of the Resolutions Committee, earlier said, “The purpose of this resolution is not in regard to a personality and is not an endorsement of Judge Moore.
“The resolution on the Ten Commandments incorporates the best elements of all those resolutions (offered to the convention) to serve our needs and make a stand,” he noted.
An earlier amendment, which would have stated the resolution was not an endorsement or show of support for Moore, failed by about two-thirds vote.
Robert Maxwell, a messenger from First Baptist Church, Atmore, proposed adding a final statement: “The adoption of this resolution shall not reflect the approval of this convention of Judge Moore’s failure to follow the lawful order of a federal district judge.
“Adoption of this (original) resolution might constitute an endorsement of the fact Judge Moore in his official capacity … failed to obey and overtly did defy the federal court order directed to him,” Maxwell said. “I applaud [his] subscription to the Ten Commandments and enthusiastic willingness to foster these commandments and the creator God, but as a lawyer and a lover of the Constitution, I am concerned and almost offended.”
Earlier in the convention a messenger offered a motion that the convention go on record supporting Moore. It was ruled out of order because it came in the form of a resolution.
Messengers were alerted at that time that a resolution on the Ten Commandments would be presented on the issue.
Other resolutions approved
- Appreciation of and need for bivocational pastors in Alabama.
- Restatement of Alabama Baptists’ historic opposition to gambling.
- Appreciation to Alabama’s congressional delegation for voting to ban partial-birth abortions. Also commending President Bush for signing it into law.
- Support of the liberation of Iraq and of President Bush and the U.S. military as they carry out Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- Appreciation for Cottage Hill Baptist Church, Mobile, for hosting the convention.
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