November 5, 2001
Resolutions address religious liberty, racial reconciliation
___By Dan Martin
___Texas Baptist Communications
___DALLAS--With a minimum of debate or discussion, messengers to the annual session of the Baptist General Convention of Texas adopted resolutions urging prayer for the nation, abhorring religious persecution and calling for racial and cross-cultural reconciliation.
___Messengers quickly adopted five resolutions without discussion, pausing only briefly to debate one on religious liberty.
___That resolution, as presented by the committee, said religious liberty is a "fundamental and historic Baptist principle" and urged Texas Baptists to "strongly affirm" religious liberty as a constitutionally guaranteed right.
ANCHORMAN John Morris (above, right) moderated a missions-themed "newscast."
___It also noted that "in the present context of fears regarding terrorism, we are vigi
___It resolved that, in the spirit of Christ, "we work to build relationships with Muslims and persons of other faiths."
___Danny Crosby of First Baptist Church of Cleburne amended the motion to insert a section saying, "We deplore religious persecution and violence against Christians or any religious group by Muslims or any other religious group."
___Crosby said 164,000 Christians were martyred around the world in 1999 and 165,000 in 2000. He added that 16 Roman Catholic Christians were murdered in Bangladesh in recent days by Muslim extremists.
___When no one opposed his addition, messengers adopted the amendment and the resolution with a minimum of opposing votes.
___Another attempt to amend the resolution, however, failed. Darren Donaldson of Fellowship Baptist Church in Brenham suggested that while efforts be made to build relationships with Muslims, they be based on "seeking opportunity to share with them salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ."
___Prison chaplain Mike Maness of First Baptist Church of Woodlake opposed the addition, noting in his job he defends religious liberty for Muslims, "which does not threaten me or my faith."
___The amendment was rejected, with only a few votes of support.
___Other resolutions noted the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, and called for prayer for those who have suffered loss, for "national and world leaders, law enforcement, military personnel and others," as well as "for those who are attacking us."
___Another resolution affirmed support for BGCT-related institutions and ministries and noted some ministries "have been victimized by misinformation and guilt by association, including recent attacks on Buckner Baptist Benevolences."
___It noted "attempts to damage the reputation of Texas Baptist institutions and ministries negatively impact the total witness of the BGCT."
___"Messengers to this convention urge fellow Baptists in the spirit of Matthew 18:15-17 to confirm facts in conversation with the institutions and ministries in question before making allegations," the resolution stated.
___Another resolution called on messengers to "affirm that racial harmony and cross-cultural relationships are of utmost importance in following the teachings of our Lord." It also urged that "we commit ourselves to deep and lasting reconciliation across racial and ethnic boundaries through a lifestyle of establishing friendships and humbly walking together in Christ's love."
___Messengers also expressed appreciation to the host city, Dallas Baptist Association and convention officers.
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