Sanctity of Human Life Resolution Passed

                                                                                                                           Vol. VI, No. 2, March 1993

The following resolution on sanctity of human life was drafted and moved by Rev. Michael J. Riley, pastor of Little River Church, Bumpass, and passed at the founding meeting of Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia in Lynchburg on 28 January:

Whereas, as conservative Virginia Baptists, we believe God has called us to, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgressions" (Isaiah 58:1); and

Whereas, the Lord hates "hands that shed innocent blood" (Proverbs 6:17) because "in the image of God He made man" (Genesis 9:6), and

Whereas, approximately 1.6 million unborn babies are murdered each year in America as a result of the 1973 decision of the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade; and

Whereas, the United States Congress and various states are considering legislation that would further jeopardize the sanctity of human life; and

Whereas, children are "an heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is His reward" (Psalm 127:7); and

Whereas, the Lord Jesus Christ specifically warned us not to "offend one of these little ones" (Luke 17:2); and

Whereas, a growing "quality of life" ethic has led to an increasing acceptance of euthanasia and assisted suicide in the United States;

Now therefore, be it resolved that we as conservative Virginia Baptists, meeting in Lynchburg, Virginia, January 28,1993, affirm the biblical prohibition against the taking of human life at any point from conception until death; and

Be it further resolved that we call on all Virginia Baptists to work for the adoption of pro-life legislation in our state and nation; and

Be it further resolved that we call on all Virginia Baptists to work with equal fervor in ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of girls and women with unwanted pregnancies as well as the terminally ill and others with serious health problems; and

Be it further resolved that we oppose the experimentation and marketing of new drugs and technologies which would make the practice of abortion or euthanasia more widespread;

Be it finally resolved that we join the psalmist in praising God, "For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst weave me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made... My frame was not hidden from thee, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought." (Psalm 139:13-15).