This year the IBSA Resolutions and Christian Life Committee will present four resolutions to messengers for a vote at the November 3-4 IBSA Annual Meeting. The Committee met March 23 and June 29 to discuss potential resolutions and again on September 16 to review the completed drafts. They cover a range of topics pertinent to today’s culture including the Equality Act, sufficiency of Scripture for racial reconciliation, church’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and 50th Anniversary of the IBSA’s move to Springfield.
The Resolution on the Equality Act expresses “unity and agreement with sister SBC churches in opposition to the Equality Act” as approved in a resolution by messengers to the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention. According to the resolution, the Act, approved earlier this year by the U.S. Senate, “seeks to modify the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by addition of prohibition of discrimination on the base of sexual orientation or gender identity.” The resolution also expresses concerns regarding the negative effect the Act’s passage could have on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. Read the entire resolution on pages 19-21 of the IBSA Book of Reports.
The Resolution on the Sufficiency of Scripture for Racial Reconciliation condemns racism in all forms and reaffirms “the Scriptural truth that all persons are made in the image and likeness of God, and are therefore worthy of respect, dignity, and opportunity.” It affirms the ultimate solution for “the sins of racism, oppression, and discrimination” are found in “repentance and forgiveness of sin, found and proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ.” The resolution further calls on messengers “to affirm through reconciliation with Christ, we as Illinois Baptists seek to promote healing and unity in our world by standing together against racism, oppression, and discrimination in all their forms and expressions.” Read the entire resolution on page 21 of the IBSA Book of Reports.
The Resolution on the Church’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic addresses the challenges churches have faced since March 2020. It urges IBSA churches “to continue defending the protections granted in the U.S. Constitution for our houses of worship and others” and “to continue seeking new ways to serve in our communities with urgent needs, health concerns, and with new and difficult circumstances…” Churches are also urged to “pray fervently for an end to the pandemic, for the healing and restoration” of the sick. Read the entire resolution on page 22 of the IBSA Book of Reports.
The Resolution on the 50th Anniversary of IBSA’s Move to Springfield touches on some of the history and reasons for the move of the IBSA Building from Marion, in Southern Illinois, to Springfield, in central part of the state. It offers thankfulness for visionary leaders both then and now, along with encouragement for the future of Illinois Baptists. Read the entire resolution on page 23 of the IBSA Book of Reports.
Messengers at the Annual Meeting may submit resolutions to the Committee at the registration tables by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 3. The Committee will meet to discuss any newly submitted resolutions, and either prepare those resolutions for presentation and vote at the Thursday afternoon session or recommend that they be referred to the 2022 Resolutions and Christian Life Committee for further consideration.
For more information about the IBSA Annual Meeting Nov. 3-4 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Springfield, visit IBSAAnnualMeeting.org.