Resolution on Homosexuality Passed

                                                                                                                                                                          Vol. VI, No. 2, March 1993

The following resolution on homosexuality was drafted and moved by Rev. Ashton C. Smith, pastor of Bethel Church, Falmouth, at the statewide conservative meeting at Old Forest Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, on Thursday, 28 July 1993. It was passed unanimously or almost so:

Whereas, the Scriptures teach us that God loves all people and wants to redeem them;

and

Whereas, the Bible teaches that all people, while created in God's image, are sinful and, therefore, separated from God; and

Whereas, God's Word, in both testaments, teaches us that homosexuality is a sin against God; and

Whereas, some churches and denominations have capitulated to changing societal views by affirming the practice of homosexuality and putting practicing homosexuals in positions of church leadership; or, in other cases, these ecclesiastical organizations have refused to take an adequate stand against it, instead of staying true to God's Word; therefore,

Be it resolved that we, the conservative Southern Baptists of Virginia, meeting on January 28,1993 in Lynchburg, Virginia, believe that homosexuality is sinful, and we reaffirm our biblical commitment to redemptively call all persons, including those who practice homosexuality, to repent of their sins and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; and

Be it resolved that we also oppose the acceptance of practicing homosexuals as church leaders; and

Be it finally resolved that while we oppose the practice of homosexuality, we deplore hate crimes against homosexuals and urge Christians to witness to all people of the saving power of Jesus Christ, who changes lives and makes us new creatures in Him.