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FORT WORTH – Messengers to the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention passed seven resolutions during their annual meeting on the campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Nov. 11. Resolutions addressed matters of compassionate evangelism, gambling, gender identity, women’s and children’s health, pornography and religious liberty as well as a resolution of appreciation toward the seminary for hosting the meeting.
While resolutions emphasized the need for Christians to recognize and confront sin, they also encouraged Christians to remember and demonstrate God’s grace and forgiveness.
Arguing that “neither psychological gender confusion nor medical gender reassignment actually changes a person’s gender,” the resolution “On Gender Identity” reaffirmed God’s creation of humanity as male and female. It encouraged pastors to “proclaim the truth of God’s Word about these issues from their pulpits, in their writings, in their public appearances, and in their support of righteousness in their communities.”
The resolution also called on elected officials to refrain from creating policies recognizing changes in self-perception or expression as actual changes in gender.
Barry Creamer, chairman of the committee, said such laws force a cultural confrontation that did not exist before the laws were drafted. The resolution asked policy makers to stop forcing citizens through laws to affirm something contrary to their religious convictions.
The passage of municipal laws publically affirming and accommodating transgender individuals have been a point of contention in Texas the past year, especially in Houston. But it is only one example of what some fear is a trend to quell religious voices in the public square.
In the resolution “On Religious Liberty,” the committee listed 13 incidences in which religious expression had been contested. The resolution, initially authored by Ann Hettinger, former state director for Concerned Women of America, recognized the religious freedoms established in the U.S. Constitution and reiterated in the Texas Religious Freedom and Restoration Act (RFRA). The resolution called for the incorporation of the RFRA into the Texas Constitution in order to strengthen the act.
A 2013 SBTC resolution commended the 83rd Texas Legislature for passing pro-life legislation, House Bill 2. The 2014 resolution “On Legislation Supporting Women’s and Children’s Health” called on other states to enact similar legislation. It also challenged SBTC church members to pray for the successful defense of House Bill 2 as it faces legal challenges by abortion providers in appeals courts.
The resolution also encouraged SBTC church members to elect pro-life candidates. And, recognizing the infamous Roe v. Wade court case establishing legalized abortion was birthed in Texas, the resolution concluded, “Just as the abortion industry began in the state of Texas, we fervently, faithfully, and daily pray that the end of the abortion industry also begins in the state of Texas.”
In another message to Texas elected officials, the resolution “On Gambling” condemned the perniciousness of gambling and the state’s practice of raising revenue from the industry. Introduced by Scot Sanford, associate pastor at Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church in Allen, the resolution recognized gambling as addictive and harmful to those who can least afford to participate.
Sanford, who is also a Texas State Legislator, wanted the Texas Legislature to know the SBTC supports all efforts to resist the expansion of the gambling industry. It also encouraged churches to continue educating their congregations on the dangers of gambling and provide resources for those caught in addiction.
Again drawing from Scripture to reinforce God’s design for human sexuality, the resolution “On Pornography” is the first resolution of its kind introduced to the SBTC messengers. The resolution urged pastors to “speak clearly and openly to their congregations on God’s design for sexuality and the dangers of pornography, while ministering to men and their families who have been devastated by this addiction.”
The multi-billion dollar industry is fueled by 4.2 million websites easily accessed by children, women and men in the church, including pastors. The resolution detailed the exponential growth of suffering, like human trafficking, that flows from the porn industry.
It encourages parents to take action to protect their children from intentional or unintentional viewing of online pornography and for all Christians to hold one another accountable in resisting “all forms of sexual temptation.”
The resolution “On Compassionate Evangelism” called Christians to “treat every person with the compassion and respect merited by persons created in and still bearing the image of God.” The resolution reminded Christians of their own state of grace when sharing the gospel and to avoid “divisive and demeaning” language when providing “prophetic correction.”
Creamer authored the resolution at the suggestion of committee member Eric Shin, pastor of New Life Fellowship in Houston, who wanted to reinforce the message of God’s grace in all the resolutions. Shin wanted to make sure it was understood the SBTC is “not just against things” but for people.
In appreciation for the “kind hospitality and generosity of the staff and leadership of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary” in hosting the 2014 SBTC Annual Meeting, the committee submitted the resolution “On Appreciation for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.” It stated the convention resolved to “express our profound gratitude to the Lord and to all those he used to bring about a meeting characterized by evangelism, worship, and encouragement.”
The 2014 Resolution committee included Barry Creamer (Chair), layperson, Lake Highlands Baptist Church, Dallas; Chuck Anderson, layperson, First Baptist Church, Euless; Juan Carlos (JC) Rico, minister, Immanuel Baptist Church, El Paso; Ann Hettinger, layperson, First Baptist Church, Dallas; Scott Sanford, associate pastor, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, Allen; Kris Segrest, pastor, First Baptist Church, Wylie; Eric Shin, pastor, New Life Fellowship, Houston; and Steve Washburn, pastor, First Baptist Church, Pflugerville.
To read the resolutions in their entirety, click here.
