NEWS SIDEBAR: Baptists will be asked to honor Obama’s election

(UNDATED) A Texas pastor has proposed that the Southern Baptist Convention commend the historic election of President Obama as the first black U.S. president at its upcoming meeting. “I just think this is a historic moment in the life of our country and the convention,” said the Rev. Dwight McKissic, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church […]

(UNDATED) A Texas pastor has proposed that the Southern Baptist Convention commend the historic election of President Obama as the first black U.S. president at its upcoming meeting.

“I just think this is a historic moment in the life of our country and the convention,” said the Rev. Dwight McKissic, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas.

“… I’m not asking them to adopt any of his policies or views. Much of what he espouses in terms of gay marriage and abortion I totally disagree with, but he’s the president now.”


McKissic’s resolution notes that Obama holds positions that are “in fundamental opposition to the values for which our convention and our churches have stood,” but states that his election could contribute to improved race relations — a sometimes thorny issue for Southern Baptists.

“This tremendous moment in our nation’s history provides a new opportunity for people of faith to facilitate racial reconciliation and heal the wounds and scars of the past,” it reads.

In 1995, Southern Baptists passed a resolution apologizing to African-Americans for condoning racism and committed themselves to work to eradicate it within the denomination. At this year’s meeting, delegates are expected to consider a document that says more work needs to be done.

“Until our churches better reflect the diversity we look forward to in heaven, we must labor at gospel-centered racial reconciliation,” it reads.

McKissic, who is black and voted for Republican John McCain last year, is hopeful the resolution will pass during the June 23-24 meeting. He said a rejection would lend credence to “my black Baptist friends who refuse to be Southern Baptist because they believe at their core that they are racially insensitive.”

Some Southern Baptists believe a resolution should pass, but wonder if members of the denomination will be able to separate the historic nature of Obama’s election from his policies they oppose.


“I don’t know that they can see the distinction,” said the Rev. Micah Fries, pastor of a St. Joseph, Mo., church who opposes many of the president’s policies. “I hope that we can see that and applaud the historical significance.”

Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and chairman of the meeting’s resolutions committee, said he expects a resolution will be presented that will likely “acknowledge the goodness of his election” and also note that “a number of his policies don’t line up all that well” with most Southern Baptists.

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