KBC resolutions address abortion, economy
- Dec 12, 2008 -
LEXINGTON, Ky.—A pair of issues closely tied to President-elect Barack Obama received attention in a pair of resolutions adopted by Kentucky Baptist messengers last week.
Protecting the sanctity of life and helping families deal with the struggling U.S. Economy were the two main topics addressed. Obama, a pro-choice candidate, was elected Nov. 4 largely on Americans’ hopes that he can bring the country out of recession.
Recognizing that “Holy Scripture reveals that all human life is created in the image of God” and that an “unborn baby is a person bearing the image of God from the moment of conception,” the anti-abortion resolution urges Kentucky Baptist churches “to remain vigilant in the protection of human life by preaching the whole counsel of God.”
The resolution even addresses the president-elect specifically, petitioning him and other federal and state government officials “to work to legally protect the lives of all innocent American citizens, including those of the unborn.”
It also decries the efforts of some church leaders in the United States to convince others to “move beyond the abortion discussion,” relegating it to the background.
The resolution urges Kentucky Baptists to “pray and work for the repeal” of Roe vs. Wade, the landmark 1973 U. S. Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion; to support pro-abortion legislation; and to pray for “the day when the act of abortion will be not only illegal, but also unthinkable.”
Messengers also adopted a resolution calling on Kentucky Baptists to continue to “support the gospel advance through tithes and offerings” even during times of economic hardship.
With Kentucky families struggling “with economic challenges ranging from rising fuel costs and plummeting retirement investments to unemployment and even the loss of homes,” the resolution urges Kentucky Baptist churches to pray for those who struggle.
It goes on to instruct churches to care for the poor in their communities. It also encourages leaders to “disciple,” teaching “personal responsibility in such areas as credit and other forms of debt.”
Messengers adopted three additional resolutions, including one encouraging KBC churches to participate in Crossover Louisville next year prior to the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting; and a measure intended to help develop young leaders within the convention.
That resolution states: “These young ministers and missionaries will be the future leaders of our churches, institutions, associations” and the KBC and SBC. It challenges “all ministers with experience” to seek and mentor young denominational leaders.
This article is reprinted from the November 18, 2008, issue of the Western Recorder, the newspaper of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.