Posted: 11/18/05
Resolution reaffirms biblical
sexual values but not boycotts
By Mark Wingfield
AUSTIN–Messengers to the 2005 Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting reaffirmed a 1992 statement on sexual values but removed an endorsement of boycotts.
The resolution reaffirming sexual values was one of five presented to messengers at the BGCT annual session.
The resolution notes the Bible “upholds a high sexual ethic of fidelity in marriage and abstinence outside of marriage.”
It declares “behaviors such as homosexuality, adultery, incest and pornographic activity” to be “distortions of this ethic and therefore wrong.”
The resolution calls for all people to “uphold a lifestyle of biblical sexual values” and to oppose “objectionable sexual material in television, movies, music and other media.” It also urges churches to teach biblical sexual values to children and youth while acknowledging God offers forgiveness and restoration for all who sin.
However, a provision in the final paragraph of the 1992 resolution was struck this year.
Mark Newton, pastor of First Baptist Church of San Marcos, asked messengers to remove the words “and sponsor boycotts” from a sentence outlining proper advocacy measures.
The provision in the resolution was exercised by the Southern Baptist Convention to boycott the Walt Disney Co. between 1992 and 2005, garnering international attention.
One messenger asked that the resolution on sexual values be tabled. Roy Kimball of Highland Park Baptist Church in Austin said he realized crafting the wording for such a resolution is a difficult task.
However, he added, “If we are going to start listing sins that are wrong, none of us may qualify for God's love.”
The motion to table the resolution was ruled out of order, and Kimball did not speak for defeat of the resolution.
Four other resolutions were adopted with no debate.
One called on Texas Baptists to become better educated about mental illness and how to help the mentally ill and their families.
It also asked the Texas Legislature to “increase funding for mental health services and to pass legislation” for mental illness treatment to be covered by health insurance.
Another resolution affirmed the Baptist World Alliance and congratulated the international fellowship on its 100th anniversary.
Two final resolutions expressed appreciation to the host city and convention officers.
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