|
|
| Ky. Baptists Oppose Gambling, Commit to Protect Children |
| Release Date: 11/13/2007 |
ELIZABETHTOWN – Kentucky Baptists demonstrated continued opposition to expanded gambling as well as their commitment to safeguarding children within the church when they approved a series of resolutions during the 170th annual meeting of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
Both issues were presented and approved as resolutions during the Tuesday afternoon session of the meeting, which was held at Severns Valley Baptist Church.
The approved resolution for opposing expanded gambling calls for churches to teach about the dangers of gambling. The resolution also calls on Kentucky’s governor and members of the Kentucky General Assembly to join with citizens in finding ways to strengthen the state’s economy without the expansion of gambling.
During a report from the Committee on Public Affairs in an earlier session, John Chowning, pastor of Saloma Baptist Church in Campbellsville and vice chairman of the Committee on Public Affairs, stressed the importance of Kentucky Baptists standing against expanded gambling in Kentucky.
According to Chowning, expanded gambling will also further encourage gambling addictions, crime, family destruction, personal irresponsibility and the corruption of government, he said.
“It is an expansion of corruption,” said Chowning. “If you go beyond the glitter of gambling, you will see the pathologies of the human condition.”
Messengers also approved a resolution on abuse and the protection of children. The resolution calls for pastors and church leaders to lead in teaching and example in integrity, and to implement appropriate measures to enhance to safety and security of children, teenagers, and other vulnerable persons.
The resolution proposed a no tolerance policy for any mistreatment of abuse and called for a thorough investigation and punishment for abusers through both biblical church discipline and through civil authorities.
By approving the resolution, messengers further called for KBC mission board staff to provide materials, resources and training opportunities to aid churches in establishing and implementing safety and security practices for all KBC churches.
Messengers also approved a resolution commending Bill Whittaker for his service as former president of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College from 1988-2007, and congratulating Donnie Fox on his selection as the fifth president of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College.
Resolutions calling for the appreciation of Severns Valley Baptist Church as annual meeting host was passed, as was a resolution on the Great Commission, which called for churches to partner together in reaching Kentucky and the nations through prayer, evangelism and giving through the Cooperative Program.
To view a pdf of the approved resolutions, click here.
The Kentucky Baptist Convention is a cooperative missions and ministry organization made up of more than 2,400 autonomous Baptist churches in Kentucky. A variety of state and worldwide ministries are coordinated through its administrative headquarters in Louisville, Ky. including: missions work, disaster relief, ministry training and support, church development, evangelism and more.
Release prepared by Kristie Randolph, KBC Communications |
|
|
 Printer Friendly Version |  E-mail This Page |  RSS Feeds
For questions about www.kybaptist.org contact our Webmaster.
© 2001-2008 Kentucky Baptist Convention. All rights reserved.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 43433 • Louisville, KY 40253-0433
Street Address: 13420 Eastpoint Centre Drive • Louisville, KY 40223-4160
Click here for a handy map to the new Kentucky Baptist Building. |
| |