c. 2006 Religion News Service

GREENSBORO, N.C. _ Southern Baptists _ a group that is rarely associated with heavy drinking _ overwhelmingly passed a resolution Wednesday (June 14) declaring “total opposition” to alcohol use in the United States.

Delegates added language that specifically urges that no one be appointed to Southern Baptist-related trustee boards who is a “user of alcoholic beverages.”

“Our leaders should take the high road with our walk with Jesus,” said Jim Richards, executive director of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, when he proposed the amendment about trustees.

But Tom Ascol, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Fla., argued against the extra language. “I do not think that we can be more holy than Jesus Christ,” Ascol said. “Christ turned water into wine.”

Southern Baptists have passed dozens of resolutions _ nonbinding statements that reflect the sentiments of those attending their annual meetings _ on the topic of alcohol since the 1880s, but the latest statement still prompted discussion.

“Our convention has always historically stood against alcohol not only for Scriptural reasons but also for real pragmatic, practical reasons _ the damage that it causes families,” said Forrest Pollock, a Brandon, Fla., pastor who served on the resolutions committee, in an interview.

Some delegates, or messengers, particularly questioned the amendment.

Marie Stewart, a retired seamstress from Danville, Va., said she voted for the resolution against alcohol but voted against the amendment that would require teetotaling trustees.

“I just think it should be a man’s conscience,” she said in an interview. “If you’re a born-again believer … you’re not going to participate in these things that would be a stumbling block to anyone else.”

While one person on the convention floor cited the biblical admonition to avoid “the very appearance of evil,” another challenged the resolution because it addressed one social problem and not others, such as obesity.

Pollock said alcohol stands out as an issue of concern.

“The Bible speaks against gluttony,” Pollock said. “And who knows? Maybe there’s some day our convention has to speak out on issues like that. But there is a clear and present danger where alcohol is concerned. It is harming the fabric of the American family.”

So why was it a point of contention this year?

“I think that’s the robust and healthy nature of our convention,” he said, adding he thinks the vast majority of Baptists would favor the statement. “We debate everything. We’re Baptists.”

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