Two of the 12 resolutions approved by messengers garnered debate at the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting.
The most intense remarks came during debate over the resolution rejecting display of the Confederate flag (see story, page 1).
The resolution supporting Israel’s right to exist as a free state and encouraging renewed prayer for peace in and salvation of Israel also sparked a few comments.
Jamal Bishara, pastor of First Arabic Baptist Church, Phoenix, Arizona, said, “This is not a stand the SBC wants to make. It isolates us and enters us into the political arena. We are a spiritual entity to bring peace into the world.”
Bishara described the conflict between Israel and Palestinians and said that while he is not opposed to Israel there are Arab Christians among the Palestinians as well.
“Palestinians have the right to live peaceably in their lands,” he said, noting that the resolution would isolate Arab people.
Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, spoke in favor of the resolution.
“Israel is the only effort of a democracy in the Middle East. We need to support Israel,” he said. “We are the recipient of Israel’s promises for sure.
“As the Church of God has prospered for Israel, we should do our best to pray for Israel. This is not a political position but that we should pray for Israel.”
The resolution was overwhelmingly adopted by messengers.
Other resolutions:
- Called for prayer for and pledged support to those affected by the June 12 killings in Orlando (see story, this page).
- Called on the government to enact strict security in screening refugees and for Southern Baptists to compassionately minister to and share the gospel with them.
- Affirmed Southern Baptists’ commitment to biblical sexuality and urged the protection of religious free exercise.
- Encouraged faithful proclamation of the gospel by churches and intentional evangelism by individual Southern Baptists locally, nationally and globally.
- Declared “unrelenting opposition” to efforts by military leaders and the Obama administration “to increase the likelihood that women will be placed in harm’s way” along with voicing support for service members and their families.
- Urged participation in voting and prayer for God to provide “spiritual, moral, ethical and cultural renewal.”
- Encouraged churches to consider increasing ministries to Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and their family caregivers.
- Called for pastors to support freedom of the press and journalists to practice that freedom responsibly.
- Affirmed “In God We Trust” as the national motto and encouraged its public display.
- Expressed gratitude to God as well as Southern Baptists in the St. Louis area and all others who helped with this year’s meeting.
The Resolutions Committee chose not to act on six resolutions submitted by messengers to the convention.
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