NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–The following resolution condemning the Sept. 11 terrorism strikes targeting New York City and Washington, D.C., was adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee during its Sept. 17-18 meeting in Nashville, Tenn.
“ON THE TERRORIST ATTACK ON THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
WHEREAS, Teams of foreign terrorists were guilty of executing most heinous and infamous acts in attacking our nation September 11, 2001, destroying the World Trade Center in New York City, damaging the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and injuring or killing untold thousands of innocent victims; and
WHEREAS, Their horrific actions have left tens of thousands to face the trauma and grief resulting from the injury or murder of their loved ones; and
WHEREAS, Holy Scripture reveals the Lord as “the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3), and that “comfort is abundant through Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:5); and
WHEREAS, God forbids personal revenge (Romans 12:19), and established government to preserve peace and order by punishing evil and seeking justice (Romans 13:4); and
WHEREAS, The President and Congress of the United States, as civil magistrates, are vested with the responsibility of protecting the innocent and punishing the guilty as agents of His justice (Romans 13:1-3), and have been elected by U.S. citizens to protect and preserve the nation; and
WHEREAS, President George W. Bush has announced his unequivocal determination to search for those behind these evil acts, bring them to justice, and lead friends and allies among the nations in resolute war against terrorism; and
WHEREAS, There is credible evidence that certain passengers or flight crew members acted bravely to seize control of the craft and prevent the completion of one of the terrorist acts; and
WHEREAS, Police, firefighters, emergency personnel, and numerous private citizens exhibited courageous fortitude and a commitment to duty in the face of danger in rescue efforts following the attacks; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention expresses utter abhorrence and unconditional condemnation for the cowardly acts of the international criminals responsible for this terrorism; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we commit ourselves to render material assistance and to pray that the Lord will extend His grace, comfort, and healing to those injured in the malicious attacks, to their loved ones, and to the loved ones of those slain in these brutal attacks; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we especially honor those heroic persons who died attempting to thwart the attacks and those who gave their lives in rescue efforts following the attacks, and that we offer our heartfelt sympathy and gratitude to their families; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we pledge hearty prayer and unreserved support for our President, his advisors, Congress, and the members of the armed forces as they fulfill their God-given duties in responding to this attack; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we commit ourselves to diligently pray that God will turn the hearts of our nation back to Him, and we appeal to our fellow Southern Baptists to join us; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That we urge our fellow Southern Baptists to recommit ourselves to minister the gospel to our fellow citizens, in the hope that they may find forgiveness of sin, the gift of eternal life, and the hope that is available only in Christ.
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