RESOLUTION NO. 1
ON CROSSOVER HUNTSVILLE
WHEREAS, Alabama Baptists participated in an evangelistic effort called Crossover Huntsville; and
WHEREAS, this effort was supported by numerous churches in the greater Huntsville area; and
WHEREAS, this evangelistic thrust was guided by Chairman John Long and the Crossover Task Force members; and
WHEREAS, the Madison Baptist Association provided leadership for Crossover Huntsville; and
WHEREAS, the Prayer Task Force for Crossover Huntsville coordinated all the prayer emphases.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 13-14, 2001, express deep appreciation for those who participated in Crossover Huntsville; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we commend our campus ministers and college students at University of North Alabama, University of Alabama at Huntsville, Alabama A & M, Wallace State, and University of South Alabama for their participation in Crossover Huntsville; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that we compliment the citizens of Huntsville and especially those who allowed Alabama Baptists to share their faith in Jesus with them.
RESOLUTION NO. 2
ON TERRORISM
WHEREAS, there were terrorist attacks on the United States of America beginning September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, thousands of lives were lost at the World Trade Center towers in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., in Pennsylvania, and from bio-terrorism in other parts of our nation; and
WHEREAS, the President and other leaders have condemned these destructive acts and have committed the United States to search for those behind these evil acts and bring them to justice; and
WHEREAS, police, fire fighters, volunteer workers and others have worked sacrificially to save lives and help the injured; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama Baptist State Convention and its member churches have responded to this crisis with swift action in the form of financial aid to the Baptist Conventions of New York and the District of Columbia to meet the needs of the victims of these tragedies; and
WHEREAS, Alabama Baptist chaplains and disaster relief workers have served faithfully in New York.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 13-14, 2001, affirm the President and Congress on their strong stand against terrorism worldwide; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we express appreciation to the Alabama Baptist chaplains and disaster relief workers who served in New York; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we respect the rights of peace-loving people to practice their faith, and we affirm the principles of religious freedom; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that we request that all Alabama Baptists pray for our President, leaders of our nation, our military, and the victims in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.
RESOLUTION NO. 3
IN SUPPORT OF OUR ARMED FORCES
WHEREAS, President George W. Bush, acting in his role as Commander-in-Chief of our nation’s military, has committed these forces to wage war against the terrorists that struck our nation on September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, units of our nation’s military are in harm’s way in Afghanistan and other areas, and some of these brave troops have already made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom; and
WHEREAS, members of our churches all across the Alabama Baptist State Convention have been called to active duty as members of the Alabama National Guard and the Reserve to defend our homeland and to augment the active duty forces; and
WHEREAS, family members remain behind in difficult situations brought about by loved ones away from home for an unknown period of time in service to their country; and
WHEREAS, chaplains endorsed by our North American Mission Board are deployed with these various units of active and reserve forces, seeking to help meet the spiritual needs of those in combat and those in homeland defense, as well as helping with the personal and spiritual needs of the family members on the home front.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Huntsville, Alabama on November 13-14, 2001, express our deepest gratitude and love for those who serve as members of our nation’s armed forces and to their families; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we pledge our prayers and support for our troops as they carry out the orders of the Commander-in-Chief in the war on terrorism; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we especially honor the memory of those who died in defense of our nation, and that we offer our sincere sympathy and gratitude to their families; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we commend the work of our Southern Baptist chaplains from Alabama as they join with others from our North American Mission Board in sharing the hope and eternal life that is available only in Jesus Christ; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that we urge our fellow Alabama Baptists to join us in affirming our nation’s fighting men and women, and supporting them and their families as they stand against the evils of terrorism wherever it may reside.
RESOLUTION NO. 4
ON APPRECIATION TO C. WARREN TRUSSELL, JR.
WHEREAS, The Baptist Foundation of Alabama has been in existence since 1940; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of The Baptist Foundation of Alabama is to encourage the making of gifts, benefactions and other donations by deed, will, direct gifts or otherwise for the advancement, promotion, endowments, and maintenances of all the institutions and agencies; and
WHEREAS, C. Warren Trussell, Jr. has retired after serving as president of The Baptist Foundation of Alabama for the past 13 years; and
WHEREAS, he has led The Baptist Foundation of Alabama admirably, conscientiously, skillfully and with integrity; and
WHEREAS, the assets of The Baptist Foundation of Alabama have increased from $33,239,712 to $128,964,616 during his tenure of service; and
WHEREAS, he has displayed the spirit of Christ in his leadership of The Baptist Foundation of Alabama; and
WHEREAS, his leadership has been according to the integrity of his heart and the skillfulness of his hands (Psalm 78:72).
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 13-14, 2001, express deep appreciation for the service of C. Warren Trussell, Jr.; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we commend him for his loyalty, integrity and ministry to the churches of Alabama through The Baptist Foundation of Alabama; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that we ask God’s blessing on him and his family during his retirement years.
RESOLUTION NO. 5
ON SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE
WHEREAS, God has known us even before we were born; and
WHEREAS, God loves all children, both born and preborn; and
WHEREAS, God is the only author and sustainer of life; and
WHEREAS, God calls us as His followers to speak out for justice, to support the weak, to protect the innocent, and to condemn evil in all its many forms.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 13-14, 2001, condemn abortion and express our support of all legislation protecting our children, both born and preborn, from the tragedy of abortion, and support many life-affirming alternatives, such as adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. 6
ON COVENANT MARRIAGE
WHEREAS, the family is the first institution established by God (Genesis 2:18-25; Ephesians 5:22-23) and is ordained by God as the basic unit of society (Genesis 1:26-31); and
WHEREAS, marriage is a sacred covenant between one man, one woman, and a holy God, intended for life (Matthew 19:4-9; Romans 7:2); and
WHEREAS, marriage is honorable and is the only context for appropriate sexual expression according to biblical standards (Hebrews 13:4); and
WHEREAS, increasingly, the institution of marriage is being attacked from many directions; and
WHEREAS, the breakup of marriages has lasting and devastating consequences for children as well as adults; and
WHEREAS, the disintegration of marriage has tragic implications for the future of our churches and our state; and
WHEREAS, LifeWay Church Resources has been a primary leader for the Covenant Marriage Movement and has developed materials for couples and churches to strengthen marriage covenants; and
WHEREAS, the Southern Baptist Convention has affirmed the Covenant Marriage Movement and has made family ministry a major priority; and
WHEREAS, the Discipleship Ministries Team and the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries are planning and promoting ministries related to the Covenant Marriage Movement.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 13-14, 2001, affirm the Covenant Marriage Movement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we encourage all Alabama Baptists to commit themselves to the biblical principles expressed by the Covenant Marriage Movement; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that we urge Alabama Baptist churches to celebrate enthusiastically and emphasize annually the third Sunday in February, or some other day of their choice, as Covenant Marriage Sunday beginning on Sunday, February 17, 2002.
RESOLUTION NO. 7
ON COOPERATIVE PROGRAM SUPPORT
WHEREAS, since 1925, Alabama Baptists and other Southern Baptists have given millions of dollars to missions through the Cooperative Program which supports the ministries of the Alabama Baptist State Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention; and
WHEREAS, according to the most recent reports Alabama Baptists and other Southern Baptists have continued to emphasize evangelism which has resulted in new converts and new church starts at home and abroad; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama Baptist State Convention is a leader in percentage giving of Cooperative Program funds to Southern Baptist causes; and
WHEREAS, there is a greater need for educating Alabama Baptists and other Southern Baptists about the Cooperative Program; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to encourage Alabama Baptist churches to increase their percentage of giving through the Cooperative Program; and
WHEREAS, Alabama Baptists and other Southern Baptists have enjoyed a good partnership in support of the Cooperative Program; and
WHEREAS, the leadership of the Alabama Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention have faithfully led Southern Baptists to fulfill the great commission; and
WHEREAS, the Cooperative Program is a time-tested tool for funding ministries that can bring the peace of Christ to our troubled world.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 13-14, 2001, enthusiastically affirm their support for the Cooperative Program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we encourage Alabama Baptist churches to educate their members about the blessings of the Cooperative Program; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this Convention voice its hearty gratitude to all Alabama Baptists for their support of the Cooperative Program.
RESOLUTION NO. 8
ON EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS
WHEREAS, It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations; and
WHEREAS, there is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord; and
WHEREAS, the new birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others; and
WHEREAS, missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ; and
WHEREAS, it is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we the messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, November 13-14, 2001, reaffirm our commitment to the Great Commission and the biblical call to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to all people.
RESOLUTION NO. 9
ON APPRECIATION
WHEREAS, messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention have convened at the Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, on November 13-14, 2001, for an important time of business, fellowship, and worship; and
WHEREAS, we have been the recipients of the gracious hospitality of the City of Huntsville and their officials; of the Madison Baptist Association, its staff and churches; and especially Whitesburg Baptist Church, its staff and members.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we express our grateful appreciation to the leaders of the City of Huntsville, the Madison Baptist Association and the Whitesburg Baptist Church for the superlative ways in which they have cared for the needs of the messengers of this Convention; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that we express to our president, Dr. Mike McLemore, and other Convention officers, Dr. Joe Godfrey, Dr. Henry Cox, Mrs. Mary Sue Bennett, Dr. Bobby DuBois, and Rev. William H. Austin, for their effective and professional leadership in performing their duties for this Convention.
