It has been my privilege for the last two years to serve on our state convention’s Executive Board. Among the blessings of that office are the trips to White Oak Conference Center. This is an outstanding facility of which we can be proud.
When I learned that groups outside our convention can use White Oak, I attempted to secure it when another group I belong to sought a venue for an annual planning retreat. That group is a historical honor society and service organization, the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
For brevity’s sake, let me just say that the Executive Board was called upon by convention staff to decide if the SCV could come to White Oak. The request was denied.
During discussion at our Dec. 11 board meeting, it became apparent that the members feared controversy being associated with White Oak, and, by extension, the convention. Though that decision was a great disappointment to me, it seemed to me that my fellow board members acted with pure motives. As a few weeks have passed, I find great encouragement in the events of that day.
Our board staked out an important position in endeavoring to make sure that no issue obscures the proclamation of the gospel. We have sadly observed that other denominations have entangled themselves in issues – often, in my opinion, on the wrong side. This clouds their presentation to a watching world.
The issue of using White Oak became a referendum on the Confederate flag – that was not my intent. I simply sought a first-rate meeting place for a group I serve in a leadership capacity. White Oak met our criteria. Like most South Carolinians, I believe the “flag issue” is settled and requires no further debate.
Let us, as a convention, hold to the philosophy behind the board decision on Dec. 11. Let us never get caught up in any issue, about which Paul, in spiritual context, might have referred to as “doubtful” (Romans 14:1, HCSB). If this is our standard, I believe God will continue to bless the South Carolina Baptist Convention, as well as making us a blessing to a world in need of Christ.
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