Southern Baptists pass resolution to help settle immigration debate

From the Associated Press:

NASHVILLE, Tenn — (AP) – The Southern Baptist Convention has passed a resolution advocating a path to legal status for illegal immigrants.

The resolution was passed on Wednesday at the annual meeting of the nation’s largest protestant denomination in Phoenix. It also calls on Southern Baptists to reject bigotry and to minister to all people, regardless of immigration status.

Resolutions committee chairman Paul Jimenez said the fact that the meeting was in Arizona, which some groups have boycotted over its perceived hostility toward immigrants, only played a small role in the introduction of the resolution.

He said the main reason for the resolution was the desire to spread the gospel to immigrants.

A report from the Baptist Press says:

The immigration resolution — adopted by what appeared to be about 70 to 80 percent of the messengers — urged Southern Baptist churches to proclaim Christ and minister in His spirit to everyone, regardless of their “immigration status.” It said “any form of nativism, mistreatment, or exploitation is inconsistent with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” [Emphasis mine.]

Let’s hear it for the Southern Baptist Convention! Now, if only the rest of the conservative denominations would pass similar resolutions, maybe we could finally begin to solve the immigration conundrum. I would be even happier if all the Orthodox jurisdictions would pass a similar resolution. But, I am glad that a denomination known as a certifiably theologically conservative denomination has finally spoken up as a voice of moderation. Maybe, finally, voices of moderation will begin to rise up and speak out.