SBC Convention Report

by T.C. Pinckney                                                                                             Vol. V, No. 4, August 1992

The annual SBC convention met in Indianapolis beginning with the Pastors Conference 7-8 June and the convention proper 9-11 June. The last registration report indicated 17,996 messengers. The most significant actions are summarized below.

Homosexuality: Upon recommendation of the Executive Committee two motions were passed. The first stated that SBC "standards are those embodied in God's Holy Scripture. The Scripture clearly and unequivocally declares that homosexuality is a sin against God." It goes on to reference the actions of Pullen and Binkley churches in N.C. as "contrary to the teachings of the Bible" and to state that those churches are not in "friendly cooperation with the Convention nor sympathetic with its purposes and work" and to withdraw fellowship from them. Finally, this action urges these churches to rescind "their actions regarding avowed homosexuals while continuing to pray for God's saving grace and healing power in the lives of homosexuals and continuing to minister redemptively" to them.

To address the possibility of similar actions by other churches in the future, the Convention initiated a constitutional change. Such changes require passage by at least a two-thirds majority at two successive conventions. Article III deals with membership and presently establishes the requirements that churches which send messengers must be "in friendly cooperation with this Convention and sympathetic with its purposes and work" and must contribute financially. The change will cause that part of Article III to read: "Is in friendly cooperation with the Convention and sympathetic with its purposes and work. Among churches not in cooperation with the Convention are churches which act to affirm, approve, or endorse homosexual behavior."

personal judgment is that this was one such time.

Virginians elected to new trustee positions are: Home Mission Board: Rev. Charles G. Fuller, First, Roanoke; Mrs. Jean Thompson, Cardinal, Ruther Glen; Southeastern Seminary: Stanley A. Denham, London Bridge, Virginia Beach; Brotherhood Commission: Rev. Kelly J. Burris, Kempsville, Virginia Beach; and RTV Commission: Ed Parker, Liberty Hampton.

Comment: The constitutional change will not become effective until it receives at least a two-thirds vote at the next Convention in June 1993. There seems to be no doubt that it will be approved since it was passed by at least 98% of the messengers this year. A change to the constitution was the strongest action Southern Baptists could take. Our clear stance may encourage conservatives struggling to bring other denominations back to the inerrant, infallible Word of God. Pray for our brothers and sisters who are Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Episcopalians, etc.

Note: The Raleigh Baptist Association disfellowshipped Pullen on 5 May by a margin of 80% to 20%. Binkley is not a member of a local association. The N.C. general board ousted the two churches at its regular meeting 19-20 May by a vote of 59-28 or 67% to 33%.

VP Quayle: The Vice President gave an excellent speech welcoming us to his hometown. He focussed on traditional family values and received rousing appreciative applause from the messengers on numerous occasions. Referring to the liberal media, he said, "I wear their scorn as a badge of honor."

Com. on Nominations: Each year this committee recommends 120 to 140 folks to fill openings on the trustee boards of the various SBC agencies. Paul Pressler, one of the architects of the conservative resurgence, completed his term on the SBC Executive Committee in June 1991. This year he was nominated to the Foreign Mission Board trustees. There had been criticism from moderates and some conservatives of this nomination form the standpoint that these positions should not be recycled among a small group, but should be spread among as many people as possible. On the floor there was another nomination to compete for the FMB opening, but the vote was approximately 80% in favor of the Judge.

Comment: As a general principle I agree that the same people should not be re-elected time after time. On the other hand, in a very few cases it is important to avail ourselves of the experience of special leaders. My

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New Officers: In a three-way race for president Ed Young, pastor of Second Baptist, Houston, was elected with 9,981 votes, 62.05%. Jess Moody, of CA, received 3,484 votes, 21.66%, and Nelson Price 2,619 votes, 16.28%. For first VP there was but one nomination, Jay Strack, evangelist. For second VP five were nominated: Allen Spear, IL; Tom Moody, TN; Joe Aulds, LA; Benny King, MO; and Glen Molette, KY. On the first ballot Aulds got 32.16%, Mollette 22.26%, Spear 18.86%, Moody 17.21%, and King 9.37%. In the run-off Aulds received 58.13%, Molette 41.75%.

WMU: Dellanna O'Brien, Executive Director, and Carolyn Miller, President, gave the report. Mrs. Susan Smith, Liberty Church, Hampton, asked whether the WMU would continue to contribute to missions exclusively through the SBC, FMB, & HMB. The two ladies response concluded by saying WMU would continue to support missions through Southern Baptist churches. Mrs. Smith then noted that if the WMU chose to affiliate with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship or any organization other than the SBC, FMB, & HMB, her WMU chapter and her church would cease supporting the WMU.

Freemasonry: Larry Holly from Texas moved that the president appoint an ad hoc committee to study whether the teachings of Freemasonry are compatible with Christianity. The motion was amended to direct the Interfaith Witness Department of the Home Mission Board to conduct the study. The motion passed as amended. A report is due next June.

Golden Parachutes: Two motions were presented from the floor pertaining to severance benefits given to retiring/resigning denominational executives. One, by a pastor McFalls from Florida, was quite generous. The second, offered by Rev. Fred M. Minix of Good News Church, Alexandria, would limit expenditures from denominational funds for severance entertainment and gifts to a maximum of $200. [Comment: This is not a moderate-conservative political issue. There is a long-standing practice dating from well before the

conservative resurgence of giving top executives enormous gifts when they leave. In my judgment this practice evidences the intrusion of secular attitudes and standards into our Convention and is terrible stewardship.] A report is expected next June.

Maximum Salaries: In a related motion, Albert Shults of OK moved to limit the salary of all Convention employees to $100,000 maximum The motion was referred to all Convention institutions. Expect a report next June. Boy Scouts: A resolution passed citing the attack upon the Scouts because of their refusal to allow homosexual leaders and their determination to continue references to God in their oath an( literature, encouraging the Boy Scouts and calling on them to maintain their historic commitment to and work among boys and young men of America.