Unified Statement of Faith Regarding Civil Authorities and Law Enforcement
Resolution Approved by the Executive Board of Southwest Metroplex Baptist Association
July 21, 2020
We, the pastors and Christian leaders of Southwest Metroplex Baptist Association, are united in our belief that civil authority is part of God's protection of a society against evil and lawlessness.
We stand together in this public declaration that violence against authority, law enforcement, and first responders is incompatible with the command of Scripture in Romans 13:1-7. We affirm the police and first responders in our communities regardless of race or ethnicity. We believe they are sent to protect every citizen against lawless and criminal behavior. We support their stand against lawlessness, violence, criminal behavior, and rebellion. We support their efforts to maintain peace and promote safety and wellness in our communities.
We recognize the vast majority of law enforcement and first responders are men and women of integrity who desire to do the right thing, uphold the law, and maintain peace in our society. We decry and condemn those few who abuse and exploit their position and authority and thereby disrespect the law they are appointed to uphold for any reason, including racism or a sense of supremacy of color, personal gain, or emotions. We call for those who do so to be prosecuted according to the law they have sworn to uphold and to have their authority removed.
Further, we denounce the burning of churches, homes, and businesses; rioting and looting; shootings and murder; and all abuse and cursing and hereby urge all within our communities to practice the call of Scripture found in Micah 6:8 (ESV), "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God."
Resolution Approved by the Executive Board of Southwest Metroplex Baptist Association
July 21, 2020
We, the pastors and Christian leaders of Southwest Metroplex Baptist Association, are united in our belief that civil authority is part of God's protection of a society against evil and lawlessness.
We stand together in this public declaration that violence against authority, law enforcement, and first responders is incompatible with the command of Scripture in Romans 13:1-7. We affirm the police and first responders in our communities regardless of race or ethnicity. We believe they are sent to protect every citizen against lawless and criminal behavior. We support their stand against lawlessness, violence, criminal behavior, and rebellion. We support their efforts to maintain peace and promote safety and wellness in our communities.
We recognize the vast majority of law enforcement and first responders are men and women of integrity who desire to do the right thing, uphold the law, and maintain peace in our society. We decry and condemn those few who abuse and exploit their position and authority and thereby disrespect the law they are appointed to uphold for any reason, including racism or a sense of supremacy of color, personal gain, or emotions. We call for those who do so to be prosecuted according to the law they have sworn to uphold and to have their authority removed.
Further, we denounce the burning of churches, homes, and businesses; rioting and looting; shootings and murder; and all abuse and cursing and hereby urge all within our communities to practice the call of Scripture found in Micah 6:8 (ESV), "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God."