All eight resolutions were adopted without discussion or amendments.

RESOLUTION NO. 1

ON APPRECIATION FOR NOXIE J. “BUSTER” TAYLOR, JR.

WHEREAS, In 1979, Noxie J. “Buster” Taylor, Jr., began work at Shocco Springs, located in Talladega, Alabama, and on October 1, 1989, was named Executive Director of Shocco Springs; and

WHEREAS, December 31, 2017, marks the completion of his 38 years of service and subsequently his leadership as the Executive Director of Shocco Springs; and

WHEREAS, We recognize the call of God on his life, his unique gifting, love of people, and passion for this position and place; and

WHEREAS, His commitment to Jesus Christ, Shocco Springs, and Alabama Baptists has been clearly demonstrated far beyond the borders of Alabama; and

WHEREAS, Under his ever-watchful eye and steady hand Shocco Springs has boldly lived out its mission to “provide a distinctly Christian environment for spiritual transformation and renewal”; and

WHEREAS, The values of people, integrity, and excellence have guided decision making for guests, property, buildings, and endowments; and

WHEREAS, He provided consistent and exemplary leadership to Shocco Springs and in 1999, Shocco Springs became the newest entity of Alabama Baptists; and

WHEREAS, Under his leadership, Shocco Springs has experienced growth and expansion that has moved the organization deeper into Southern Baptist life and other national Christian organizations; and

WHEREAS, He initiated and directed the mission efforts of Shocco Springs, partnering first with Camp Carobobo in the Venezuelan Baptist Convention, 2002, and has developed numerous mission teams each year in multiple locations in the U.S. and abroad; and

WHEREAS, He has had a faithful partner in his wife Mary, who has supported him in every endeavor with dedication and involvement in campus life, along with their children, Joy and David, and five grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, He has led by example in a spirit of cooperation and inclusion with his staff and Alabama Baptists in fulfilling the Great Commission; and

WHEREAS, He remains unswerving in his commitment to Christ, Shocco Springs, Alabama Baptists, and Christians around our world; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 14-15, 2017, first express our gratitude to God for leading Buster Taylor to service at Shocco Springs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we call upon all Alabama Baptists to pray for God’s continued blessings and guidance upon Buster and Mary Taylor and the ministry of Shocco Springs; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 14-15, 2017, affirm their appreciation for Buster Taylor as he begins his retirement and express gratitude for the sacrifices made and ministry to Alabama Baptists, Southern Baptists, and beyond, in service to our Lord.

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2

ON APPRECIATION OF DISASTER RELIEF MINISTRIES

WHEREAS, Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief (ABDR) volunteers stand ready to minister following the outbreak of natural disasters; and

WHEREAS, All ABDR volunteers undergo training in practical skills and personal evangelism; and

WHEREAS, ABDR volunteers, along with those in other state conventions, are actively networked with and minister alongside other Southern Baptist disaster relief volunteers; and

WHEREAS, All these Southern Baptist volunteers have been trained in vital protocols that are critical in the wake of natural disasters, enabling ministry as first responders in partnership and consultation with civil authorities in both the earliest and ongoing stages of disaster relief; and

WHEREAS, ABDR volunteers share selflessly of their time and energy in undergoing training and deploying to disaster-impacted areas, serving in such diverse and specialized areas as cleanup and recovery, mudout, chainsaw, administration, chaplaincy, childcare, mass feeding, communications, and operation of laundry/shower units; and

WHEREAS, Each ABDR volunteer is a member of a team from a local Baptist association whose leaders (directors of missions/associational missionaries) serve as missions strategists in so many ways, including disaster relief; and

WHEREAS, State Missionary Mark Wakefield serves as the Disaster Relief Strategist for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions in the Office of Global Missions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 14-15, 2017, express appreciation to our Lord for all these who serve Him through disaster relief ministries; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commit to pray for Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers as they continue to make themselves available as future ministry opportunities arise in our state, across the nation and beyond; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge fellow Alabama Baptists to consider prayerfully giving to the Myers-Mallory State Missions Offering, which Alabama Baptists have generously supported since its inauguration in 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend gifts through the Cooperative Program, which provide the ministry infrastructure that allows for the quick deployment of Disaster Relief volunteers and resources in the wake of natural disasters; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That we affirm disaster relief ministry as a unique and powerful means for demonstrating God’s love through practical help and ministry and sharing the Gospel with people in need.

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 3

ON APPRECIATION

WHEREAS, The messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention have been blessed with times of inspiration, fellowship, worship, and encouragement; and

WHEREAS, We acknowledge the Lord’s provision of all blessings and those of His servants in the Huntsville area who have provided Christian hospitality; and

WHEREAS, We acknowledge the work of local Baptist churches, the Madison Baptist Association, the committees and volunteers for their diligent and kind efforts, services, and accommodations to make our stay pleasant; and

WHEREAS, We especially thank the Whitesburg Baptist Church for the use of their buildings, their service to our Lord and His people, and their support in so many ways; and

WHEREAS, We acknowledge the Lord worked through our President, Dr. John Thweatt, other officers, various committees, Convention speakers, musicians, and other platform personnel to guide the affairs of this Convention with the purpose of honoring Christ; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 14-15, 2017, express our gratitude to the Lord and to all those whom He used to facilitate this year’s annual meeting.

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 4

ON SUPPORT OF THE BIBLICAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT OF THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE

WHEREAS, Biblical revelation clearly and constantly affirms that human life is formed by God in His image and is therefore worthy of honor and dignity (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 9:6); and

WHEREAS, God alone is the author of life and He alone numbers our days, from the moment of conception until natural death (Job 14:5-7; Psalm 39:4); and

WHEREAS, The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 affirms “children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord” and calls us to “speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death”; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 60 million unborn babies have been aborted since the legalization of abortion in 1973 (Roe v Wade); and

WHEREAS, The 2017 session of the Alabama Legislature courageously  passed a Constitutional Amendment (HB98) to declare that Alabama’s public policy is to “recognize and support the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children, most importantly the right to life”; and

WHEREAS, This legislation would protect the life of the unborn in the case that Roe v Wade is overturned; and

WHEREAS, This amendment will be decided upon by Alabama voters in the November 2018 election; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 14-15, 2017, restate our support for the sanctity of human life; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge pastors and churches to speak out on the issue of the sanctity of human life and the need to protect the life of the unborn, opposing abortion and infanticide; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That we encourage all Alabama Baptists to be registered to vote and to voice their convictions in the November 2018 election.

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 5

ON THE BIRMINGHAM NON-DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE

WHEREAS, U.S. Supreme Court ordered the constitutionality of same sex marriage in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015); and

WHEREAS, The Court further stated that homosexuals would be entitled to a further “constellation of benefits,” thereby suggesting the potential for equal rights treatment under the United States Constitution; and

WHEREAS, Since Obergefell there have been developments recognizing additional rights of homosexuals; and

WHEREAS, In furtherance of that objective, the City of Birmingham enacted an ordinance on September 26, 2017, to go into effect after the appropriate publication period, which provides there can be no discrimination within the city limits of Birmingham on the basis of “real or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or familial status” in employment, accommodations, housing, education, and related activities; and

WHEREAS, A constitutionally insufficient exception was granted for “a religious corporation, association or society that employs an individual of a particular religion to perform work connected with the performance of religious activities by the corporation, association, or society;” and

WHEREAS, The ordinance infringes on religious liberty by creating an unconstitutional burden on religious freedom for churches, ministries and religious entities, and provides no religious freedom for individuals and businesses; and

WHEREAS, The Holy Bible condemns homosexuality as a sin in Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:24-27, and I Corinthians 6:9-10; and

WHEREAS, Alabama Baptists, along with many other evangelicals, believe that homosexual practice is a sin condemned by the Holy Bible; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 14-15, 2017, affirm our support for protecting religious freedom for all churches, ministries, and religious entities, as well as persons and businesses who for religious convictions believe that homosexuality is a sin which they cannot condone or support; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we call upon the City of Birmingham to repeal the ordinance or otherwise provide constitutionally required exceptions for not only churches, ministries, and religious entities, but for individuals and businesses who hold religious beliefs for which they cannot condone or support homosexuality or activities related thereto; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we call upon the Legislature of the State of Alabama to pass such statutes which will provide uniform regulation in the State of Alabama prohibiting the passage of municipal ordinances that impinge on or abridge the religious rights of churches, ministries and religious entities, and individuals both in their churches, ministries, and religious entities, as well as their private and personal business and other activities; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That the Alabama Baptist churches, along with their members, will pray for those who are willfully engaged in sinful activities and to provide them assistance, guidance and fellowship in dealing with the sin in their lives, but without compromising the position of the church in regards to the scriptural prohibitions related to homosexuality and related activities.

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 6

ON THE PRIMACY OF PARENTS IN THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN

WHEREAS, Scripture teaches that parents have the right, obligation, responsibility, and authority to raise, manage, train, educate, provide for, and reasonably discipline their children (Deuteronomy 6:7; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4); and

WHEREAS, The state’s role is secondary and supportive to the primary role of a parent; and

WHEREAS, Parents’ rights to raise their children without undue government interference has long been protected by the US Constitution {see Meyer v. Nebraska, 262 U.S. 390 (1923); Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 268 U.S. 510 (1925); Farrington v Tokushige, 273 U. S 284 (1927); Wisconsin v Yoder, 406 U.S. 205 (1972) }; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 14-15, 2017, affirm that parents should retain the fundamental right and duty to exercise primary control over the care, supervision, upbringing, and education of their children; and be it finally

RESOLVED, Alabama Baptists encourage Christian parents to embrace their calling as the primary disciple-makers in their children’s lives, to be pro-active in educating and equipping their children to be grounded in the Word of God, and to develop a Christian worldview so as to raise up the next generation to make disciples, plant churches, and increasingly shape the nations for the glory of Christ.

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 7

ON CONDEMNING RACISM AND PROMOTING GOSPEL UNITY FOR ALL RACES AND ETHNICITIES IN ALABAMA

WHEREAS, Scripture teaches, “From one man [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][God] has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live” (Acts 17:26); and

WHEREAS, The Apostle Peter said, “God doesn’t show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him” (Acts 10:34-35); and

WHEREAS, Scripture proclaims that Jesus has purchased by His blood believers “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9); and

WHEREAS, Throughout eternity we will gather with a “multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language” in worship of our risen Savior (Revelation 7:9); and

WHEREAS, The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 (Article XV) says, “All Christians are under obligation to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society … oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice … and bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love”; and

WHEREAS, Racism and belief systems around racial and ethnic supremacy are, sadly, not extinct but present all over the world in various movements, including white supremacist movements, “white nationalism” or the “alt-right”; and

WHEREAS, Racialized movements in the United States are awakening racial and ethnic divisions that seek to reignite social animosities, reverse improvements in race relations, divide our people and stir up anger and further separation of races; and

WHEREAS, White supremacists have gathered for rallies this year in Charlottesville, Virginia, and most recently in Shelbyville, Tennessee, to promote their evil ideology; and

WHEREAS, These white nationalist groups have expressed hatred toward our immigrant and refugee neighbors; and

WHEREAS, Earlier this year the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, overwhelmingly passed a resolution “On The Anti-Gospel Of Alt-Right White Supremacy”; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 14-15, 2017, condemn every form of racism, including and specifically alt-right white supremacy and white nationalism, as antithetical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we denounce and repudiate every form of racial and ethnic animosity and separation as a scheme of the devil intended to bring suffering and division to our society and declare it as out of step with the gospel; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we denounce every form of ethnic nationalism that violates the biblical teachings with respect to race, justice, and ordered liberty; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we acknowledge that, while we have made progress, we still must root out any remaining forms of racism in our midst and need to repent for failing to do so sooner; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we will disavow all consumption and agreement with this evil ideology of white supremacy; and be it further

RESOLVED, That as a witness to the sacrificial love of Christ for all people, we will oppose persecution and harassment of all racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, refugees, and anyone else targeted by these white supremacist/nationalist groups; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we strongly urge any and all groups in our nation opposed to the alt-right and white supremacist movements, to only employ peaceful, non-violent means in their protest of these groups; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we hereby encourage all Alabama Baptist churches to prayerfully and urgently seek racial reconciliation in our respective communities across Alabama to show the power of the Gospel and to give respect, honor and love to one another and thus make known that we are His disciples (John 13:35); and be it further

RESOLVED, That we call upon all Alabama Baptist churches to seek after and offer a wide welcome to all races, ethnicities, and nations as an expression of the love of Jesus Christ; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That we earnestly pray for those who advocate and are deceived by racist ideologies, that they may see their error through the light of the Gospel.

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 8

ON APPLAUDING THE U.S. HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE FOR PRESERVING THE ADOPTION CREDIT IN THE TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT, H.R. 1

WHEREAS, The Bible teaches that every human is made in God’s image, and therefore every human life is valuable and worthy of honor; and

WHEREAS, The Gospel has implications for adoption and the biblical narrative continually champions the care of the most vulnerable; and

WHEREAS, Southern Baptists have articulated an unequivocal commitment to the sanctity of all human life, born and unborn; and

WHEREAS, Churches defined by the Great Commission must be concerned for the evangelism of children, including those who have no parents; and

WHEREAS, There are an estimated 140 million orphans in the world; and

WHEREAS, There are substantial costs involved with both domestic and international adoption; and

WHEREAS, The adoption tax credit is an incentive and enabler for people to adopt; and

WHEREAS, The first proposal of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, H.R. 1 by the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee eliminated the tax credit for adoption, and — after a strong charge by pro-life advocates — the Committee reinstated the tax credit; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 14-15, 2017, applaud the House Ways and Means Committee for preserving the adoption tax credit in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, H.R. 1; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we continue to highlight the priority of adoption among Christians and work to pave ways to encourage and enable adoption so that vulnerable children may increasingly be welcomed into hearts and homes; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That we continue to encourage our elected officials to maintain the adoption tax credit in future legislation and to create incentives to care for those at every stage of life who are among the most vulnerable in our society.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]