Social, political, economic responsibility encouraged by CLC

Social, political, economic responsibility encouraged by CLC

The Alabama Baptist Christian Life Commission’s (CLC) purpose is to “make known to [Alabama Baptists] moral issues that affect our life, our liberties and our purposes as Christians,” said Kenny Hatcher, CLC chairperson, during the Alabama Baptist State Convention annual meeting Nov. 14.

“[I’d like to] remind you that we cannot put ourselves forth as the righteous if our lives do not match the testimony we hold,” Hatcher told messengers. “We must be salt and light in this dark and sinful world.” 

The 16-person organization tries to raise awareness of various issues in part through the quarterly newsletter “Christian Life Report,” which has 6,000 subscribers. Through it the CLC encourages social, political and economic responsibility that impacts the world for Jesus Christ and seeks to address issues of interest to Alabama Baptists, according to the Book of Reports.

The CLC also promotes special Sundays throughout the year including: Sanctity of Human Life, Racial Reconciliation, Substance Abuse Prevention, Citizenship and Religious Liberty, Social Issues, Anti-Gambling and World Hunger Sunday. 

Alabama Baptists gave $863,227.13 to the World Hunger Offering in 2011. 

Hatcher commended Joe Bob Mizzell for his 21 years of services as CLC liaison and his “tireless efforts (to help make) Alabama Baptists rank at the top of World Hunger offerings.”

“We thank you for that great work you did,” Hatcher said to Mizzell, who retired as director of the office of Christian ethics at the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions in August.

Hatcher presented Mizzell and his wife, Peggie, a commemorative plaque and gift and announced the proposed resolution in Mizzell’s honor, which was later approved by messengers during the Resolutions Committee report.

Mizzell said, “Without the help of Almighty God and [the] cooperation of Alabama Baptists I could never have accomplished what I’ve been able to do with bringing good moral conduct to Alabama. Thank you for honoring
me.” 

(TAB)