The 1,155 registered messengers to the South Carolina Baptist Convention annual meeting in Florence, Nov. 13-14, adopted resolutions addressing social concerns such as Christian responsibility in the public square, gambling, predatory lending, gang violence, homosexuality and sexually oriented businesses.
Encouraging all Christians to think about their vote as a Christian duty, messengers urged pastors and church members to “become educated and informed about the moral issues we face in our nation today and whether the candidates for public office have a biblical or world view of these issues.”
Bob Deaton, a messenger from Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Moore, and former annuity representative for the state convention, offered a successful amendment that designated January 16 as a statewide day of prayer seeking the Lord’s guidance for South Carolina Baptists in their decision for a candidate in the presidential primary.
Messengers again voiced “vigorous opposition” to gambling in all forms, specifically denouncing a high-stakes bingo operation to be opened by The Catawba Tribe of York County. The convention commended the decision of the minority on the Marion County Council, who voted to reject the gambling venue.
In their continued support of pro-life efforts, South Carolina Baptists were urged to participate in Stand Up for Life March and Rally Jan. 12 on the State House steps, to observe the Sanctity of Life Sunday Jan. 20, and to assist pregnancy care centers in purchasing ultrasound machines.
Characterizing predatory lending practices as “unscrupulous, unethical, and unchristian” because of excessively high fees and interest rates, a resolution encouraged churches to not only offer biblically based classes on Christian stewardship, but also to support legislation to place restrictions on these lenders.
Becoming mentors to young people and creating crime watch groups and active community coalitions were cited as some of the ways in which churches can cross denominational and ethnic lines to curb a rise in gang-related violence. South Carolina Baptists were also urged to pray for opportunities to minister to and evangelize those influenced and victimized by gang activity.
Messengers called upon Christians to “uphold the biblical standard of human sexuality against all onslaughts, celebrating sexuality as a divine gift to be exercised for the marital relationship and for procreation, but wholly within the command and law of the Lord.” Pastors were encouraged to “deal honestly and forthrightly with the word of God, teaching the subject of homosexuality in its intended context of sin.”
Urging prayer and compassion for persons and families who have been harmed as a result of sexual addictions or abuse, messengers encouraged members of the General Assembly to pass legislation restricting sexually oriented businesses in South Carolina. The Christian Life and Public Affairs Committee was requested to send a letter seeking legislation to regulate “these morally bankrupt businesses.”
In other resolutions, the messengers were urged to promote civility in public discourse through fostering a climate of Christian communication that brings honor to the Lord, and expressed their appreciation for the kind hospitality of the people of Florence.