ST. LOUIS (June 16, 2016) — The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) overwhelmingly passed a resolution affirming and encouraging ministry to refugees during its annual meeting Wednesday.
“The SBC affirmed today the image of God in all persons, including Syrian refugees. We as the people of Christ must respond to this crisis with urgency and love. I’m thrilled that the SBC stood up for vulnerable refugees in our communities and around the world,” said Dr. Russell Moore, President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. The ERLC is a member of the Evangelical Immigration Table.
The SBC, which is the nation’s largest evangelical denomination, last passed a refugee-related resolution in 1985.
“World Relief is grateful for the partnership of Southern Baptist congregations and many other local churches throughout the country to welcome the refugees whom we resettle,” said Stephan Bauman, President of World Relief. “We believe that the biblical mandate for welcoming those fleeing persecution is clear. We see the arrival of refugees as a remarkable opportunity for the Church to live out our faith.”
“Caring for refugees is a wonderful way to share God’s love with people who have escaped unspeakable horrors and who now seek to rebuild their lives in peace and safety,” said Galen Carey, Vice President of Government Relations for the National Association of Evangelicals. “I hope many churches find a way to get involved, and experience the blessings of cross-cultural ministry in their own communities.”
“We stand with the SBC in its support of refugees as they seek safety, freedom, prosperity and community with us,” said Shirley V. Hoogstra, President of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. “We are called to support, serve and welcome those who have been displaced from their homes and to work together to encourage their flourishing as well as our own, for that is a true demonstration of the diverse and loving kingdom of God.”
“We commend the SBC for demonstrating prophetic courage and shining the light of truth, love, grace and mercy for refugees fleeing darkness,” said Rev. Dr. Samuel Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. “As Bible-believing Christians, we must lead the way in advocacy for the most vulnerable. SBC, thank you for being ‘light.’ ”
“I applaud the Southern Baptist leaders who have urged their churches and members to demonstrate Christ’s love to refugees, perhaps the most unwanted, unwelcome and unloved people in our world,” said Richard Stearns, the President of World Vision U.S. “I’m hopeful that many others will join them by welcoming refugees here and offering humanitarian aid to millions of refugees who have fled elsewhere in their home regions.”
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The Evangelical Immigration Table is a broad coalition of evangelical organizations and leaders advocating for immigration reform consistent with biblical values.
About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.
Highlights
- 11 million Syrians forced to flee their homes due to violence
- Faith leaders call for others to join in support of refugees
- SBC resolution affirms and encourages ministry to refugees