WHEREAS, the Kentucky Baptist Convention, a cooperative missions-led ministry organization of Baptist churches in Kentucky recognizes severe division and hostility in the political process and discourse in our country; and
WHEREAS, the hostility has led to assassination attempts of a former president of the United States; and
WHEREAS, as a new President and new Congress will assume office in January 2025; and
WHEREAS, Scripture teaches that God appoints leaders according to His sovereign purpose (Romans 13:1, Daniel 2:20-21); and
WHEREAS, Scripture teaches that murder and hatred are evil (Exodus 20:13, Matthew 5:21-26); and
WHEREAS, Scripture teaches that Christians are to pray for government leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4); and
WHEREAS, Scripture teaches that Christians are to love our neighbor, speak with grace, and gentleness, (Matthew 22:39, Colossians 4:5-6, Ephesians 4:29); and
WHEREAS, Scripture teaches that Christians are citizens of the kingdom of God, which is to be seen over and above any identification to ethnic or nationalistic origins (Philippians 3:20); and
WHEREAS, Scripture teaches that whatever we do, we are to do it for the glory of God, including our engagement in the political process for the common good (1 Corinthians 10:31); and
WHEREAS, The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 states, “Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love.”; and
WHEREAS, Christians are commanded to the task of evangelism which is to be the priority over politics (Matthew 28:18-20); now, be it therefore
RESOLVED, that we state unequivocally that we condemn all acts of political violence and the use of language or actions that intend to demean, belittle, or exercise hatred to any person; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we commit to pray for our elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels; and be it further
RESOLVED, that as we engage in the political arena, we are to love our neighbor in action and speech, including those with whom we disagree; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we should participate in the political process and vote our Christian convictions according to Scripture and for God’s glory; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we remember we are primarily citizens of the kingdom of God who live in the United States by God’s sovereign purpose to bring Him glory in all things; and be it further
RESOLVED, that while we participate in the political process, we recognize that political leaders and laws cannot save, and we wholeheartedly commit to the task of evangelism, proclaiming the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, as the first priority in order to seek to win the lost by the grace of God.