WHEREAS, since its founding in 1837, the Kentucky Baptist Convention was created by churches, for churches, to help churches reach Kentucky and the world for Christ; and
WHEREAS, the Scriptures affirm that Eve is the mother of all living (Genesis 3:20), and that God has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on the face of the earth (Acts 17:26); and
WHEREAS, The Great Commission commands believers to pursue, evangelize, baptize, teach, and commune with all brothers and sisters in Christ in love (Matt. 18:19-20); and
WHEREAS, the English term “race” became a classification in English literature in the 16th century, and based on socially-constructed principles, “race” developed into a hierarchical ranking system in the 18th century; and
WHEREAS, the social-construct of race aided and abetted the sin of racism against black, brown, and yellow image-bearers on multiple levels throughout American history; and
WHEREAS, many of our Kentucky Baptist forebears wrongly defended the right to enslave African peoples, treating them as chattel, stifling their ability to pursue life, liberty, and economic autonomy; and
WHEREAS, racialized thinking hindered multi-ethnic cooperative missions for the first one-hundred years of Kentucky Baptist existence; and
WHEREAS, a biblical world view requires all Christians to unite together in order to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ across the street and around the world, creating a beautiful symphony of multiracial voices who glorify the slain and risen Lamb (Rev. 5:9-10).
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that we, the messengers to the 2015 annual meeting of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, acknowledge past and present racism in our hearts.
BE IT THEREFORE FURTHER RESOLVED that we renounce and oppose all forms of racism which distort the message of the gospel.
BE IT THEREFORE FURTHER RESOLVED that we, who have experienced salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ, will maintain the gospel by living under the power of the Spirit in relationship with black, brown, and yellow brothers and sisters in our great Convention.
BE IT THEREFORE FURTHER RESOLVED that we will intentionally pursue at least one ethnic minority congregation in mutual friendship and love in order to reach our world for the glory of God.