HOOVER, Ala. (ABP) — Wal-Mart's support of homosexuality, ethics in state government, and the humanitarian crisis in western Sudan surfaced as some of the top issues this year with Alabama Baptists.
And Roger Willmore, pastor of Deerfoot Baptist Church in Trussville, Ala., became the second person in state history to move through the ranks of officer positions, serving two years in each slot, before becoming president. He previously served two years as first vice president and two years as second vice president.
The election and three key issues headlined a collection of 11 resolutions passed by messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention annual meeting Nov. 14-15 at Hunter Street Baptist Church in Hoover, Ala.
The Wal-Mart resolution, which calls for Baptists to pray for the store's leaders, urges messengers to ask local and national Wal-Mart officials to reconsider their recent joining of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
A second resolution, one dealing with the conflict in Western Sudan, called for Baptists to pray for the suffering people of the Darfur region as well as offer advocacy and humanitarian aid on their behalf.
And the Resolution on Ethics in Government urged messengers to ask state governments to ensure that officials cannot use power for personal or private gain.
Messengers affirmed the three resolutions unanimously with no discussion, as well as eight others:
— expressing appreciation for the passing of the Alabama Sanctity of Marriage Amendment, which defines marriage as one man and one woman.
— commending the Alabama Legislature for passing the Brody Act to protect unborn victims of crime.
— discouraging alcohol use.
— discouraging tobacco use.
— reaffirming the Cooperative Program.
— expressing appreciation to Frances Dew Hamilton, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, who is retiring Dec. 31.
— affirming support for language missions.
— expressing appreciation to Hunter Street Baptist for hosting the convention and for all who assisted with the convention activities.
In other business, messengers approved a $43.925 million record base budget, which is a 3 percent increase over last year's base budget. They approved a $44.925 million record challenge budget, which is a 2.92 percent increase over last year's challenge budget. A special offering goal of $10 million was also approved for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
Jimmy Jackson, pastor of Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville, Ala., was elected as first vice president. He also serves as parliamentarian at Southern Baptist Convention annual meetings and was elected as first vice president of the SBC this year.
Mike Shaw, pastor of First Baptist Church in Pelham, Ala., became the second vice president. He previously served as chairman of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.
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— Taken from reports compiled by The Alabama Baptist.