Conservatives To Meet

                                                                                                                                                                       Vol. VI, No. 1, January 1993

Conservatives were distressed by many actions taken at the most recent state convention in Virginia Beach, including the refusal to state that homosexual practice is a biblical sin, refusal to agree that active homosexuals are not acceptable in leadership positions, adoption of the WM-3 budget track under which no money at all flows to the Southern Baptist Convention, in the WM-2 budget track the slashing of funds designated for the SBC Foreign and Home Mission Boards by some $633,000 and giving the money to various liberal causes, passage of a constitutional measure which opens the door for the Baptist General Association of Virginia to elect trustees to the liberal Richmond seminary and other such institutions, and refusal to urge churches to pray for the collapse of Islam.

Since the 10-11 November state convention, conservatives have been in prayer seeking the Lord's will. Six regional meetings were held 1 and 3 December which opened with prayer asking for His guidance, followed up with a written questionnaire, and concluded with verbal discussion. The purpose of these meetings was not to reach decisions but rather to give each person an opportunity to provide his suggestions and recommendations. There is complete agreement that whatever course conservatives follow, we should move with unity of spirit and effort, and in accord with the Lord's will rather than our own.

DECISIONS: At the 28 January meeting, conservatives will decide the direction they will take, what our vision is for the future, select a name, and elect officers and an executive committee to oversee the initiation of our group.

Every conservative Virginia Baptist – whether pastor, staff or lay – will want to be present for this decisive meeting. Of at least equal importance, all are asked to be in constant prayer that God will reveal His will and that we will be willing to follow it. Those unable to attend are asked to pray for the outcome both before and during the meeting.