RESOLUTION ON
Whereas, We affirm our belief that the Holy Scriptures are the
divinely inspired written Word of God that bear faithful witness to Jesus, the
living Word of God; that they are to be interpreted in light of Jesus’ person,
teachings and life under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in open dialogue
with the community of faith that gathers in his name; and that they are
trustworthy and authoritative in matters of Christian faith and practice; and
Whereas, Second Baptist Church has long believed in the freedom of
individual members to interpret the Bible for themselves and express their faith
as they are led by the Holy Spirit in individual experience; and
Whereas,
Second Baptist Church has historically practiced the priesthood of all believers
and has maintained that no individual or organization outside the local
congregation should countermand their expression of this faith; and
Whereas, We are the recipients of religious freedoms such as
religious
liberty and the separation of church and state,
the
freedom and responsibility of the local congregation to discern and shape
its own identity and mission,
the
thoughtful partnership in ministry and mission with like minded Christians
who accept us equally without doctrinal or creedal demands upon
our freedom; and
Whereas, The Southern Baptist Convention of churches and
individuals has clearly stated, published and practiced, through its leadership,
ideas, conclusions and required tenets that deny the aforementioned faith,
practice and cooperation; be it therefore
Resolved that with deeply felt sorrow and regret, we
dissolve our 156-year relationship with the Southern Baptist Convention; and be
it further
Resolved that we no longer fund Southern Baptist causes
through the church budget, yet affirm the freedom of individual members to
designate gifts as they choose; and be it further
Resolved that we have grave concerns about the state of
freedom within the Missouri Baptist Convention and desire to substantially alter
our contributions in a manner that will emphasize direct support of individual
Missouri Baptist causes at the expense of general contributions to the Missouri
Baptist Convention; and be it further
Resolved
that we affirm our desire
for partnerships in missions and ministry groups that continue to support and
extend the mission and identity of Second Baptist Church; and be it finally
Resolved that we desire to relate to and share in ministry
and mission ventures with Baptists and other Christian groups who stand for
freedom in Christ and value the faith, practice and cooperation we have long
treasured and to lead and influence the organizations and groups we partner with
towards these values.
Adopted
18 April 2001
The
faith community known as Second Baptist Church embraces the historic doctrines
of our Christian tradition and affirms the distinctive features of our Baptist
heritage:
The right and responsibility of
believers to interpret the Bible thoughtfully and faithfully, as guided by the
Holy Spirit;
The priesthood of all believers,
who, with liberty of conscience under the Lordship of Christ, are free under God
and responsible to God and to each other in the body of faith;
The autonomy of the local
church, which is free to cooperate with other Christian bodies as it deems
appropriate to advance the cause of Christ locally and around the world; and
The separation of church and state, recognizing that a free church within
a free state best enables all to practice the God-given gift of religious
liberty.
(33%)
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Missouri
(33%)
Baptist Higher Education -
(10%)
The Baptist Home
(10%)
Missouri Baptist Children’s Home
(
5%)
Mainstream Missouri Baptists
(
5%)
Missouri Baptist Convention
(
2%)
Missouri Missions/Ministry Project(s) (designated by 2BC WMU)
(
2%)
Missouri Baptist Historical Society
100%
Adopted 18 April 2001