WHEREAS, The family is the first institution established by God (Genesis 2:18-25; Ephesians 5:22-33) and is ordained by God as the basic unit of society (Genesis 1:26-31); and
WHEREAS, Marriage is a sacred covenant between one man, one woman, and a holy God, intended for life (Matthew 19:4-9; Romans 7:2); and
WHEREAS, Marriage is honorable and is the only context for appropriate sexual expression according to biblical standards (Hebrews 13:4); and
WHEREAS, Increasingly, the institution of marriage is being attacked from many directions; and
WHEREAS, The breakup of marriages has lasting and devastating consequences for children as well as adults; and
WHEREAS, The disintegration of marriage has tragic implications for the future of our churches and our nation; and
WHEREAS, Many state governments are becoming supportive of the Covenant Marriage movement; and
WHEREAS, LifeWay Church Resources has developed materials for husbands and wives to renew their marriage covenants; and
WHEREAS, Many of our Southern Baptist Convention entities and churches are active in the Covenant Marriage movement; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, June 12-13, 2001, affirm the Covenant Marriage movement; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we applaud those state officials who have advanced the Covenant Marriage movement and encourage others to follow their example; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we encourage all Southern Baptists to commit themselves to the biblical principles expressed by the Covenant Marriage movement; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That we urge Southern Baptist churches to celebrate enthusiastically and emphasize annually the third Sunday in February, or some other day of their choice, as Covenant Marriage Sunday beginning on Sunday, February 17, 2002.