Messengers approved all nine resolutions presented to them by the SBC Resolutions Committee. They included such topics as the Great Commission impact of women, God’s sole lordship over human conscience, the confessional heritage of the office of bishop/elder/pastor, care and support for pastors and ministry leaders, and the importance of revitalizing and replanting churches.
Three resolutions made wider comment on the current culture:
- The Resolution On Opposing Gender Transition condemned “gender-affirming care” and all forms of “gender transition interventions,” calling the activities “an assault on God’s created order.” It called on legislatures to reverse laws that support “gender transition” and affirmed legislatures that have taken action to protect children from these procedures along with supporting parent’s rights.
- The Resolution On Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology is believed to be the first denominational statement on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence. It acknowledged the powerful potential of AI and emerging technologies.It declared human dignity to be “central to any ethical principles, guidelines, or regulations for any and all uses” of these technologies.
- The Resolution On Wisely Engaging Immigration affirmed the inherent dignity of immigrants and refugees while asking government leaders to maintain robust avenues for asylum seekers to enter the country and to take swift action to secure the border. It said that every immigrant and refugee has inherent value, “regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, culture, national origin, or legal status.” It also asked government officials to create both avenues for asylum seekers and a pathway for citizenship.While asking the government to take efforts to secure the border, the resolution asked for elected officials to provide “adequate resources” for U.S. border patrol “and those working in the immigration system.” It also asked federal and state governments to work together to both protect the border and protect the dignity of immigrants while encouraging churches to share the gospel and provide Christlike care to these communities.
– IBSA staff and Baptist Press