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Resolution On Separation Of Church And State


WHEREAS, The Southern Baptist Convention reiterated in 1963 its historic position for separation of Church and State in its statement on “The Baptist Faith and Message” in these words: “Church and State should be separate. The State owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the State more than any other . . . the Church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work . . . the State has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion.” and,

WHEREAS, We desire to see all rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and Bill of Rights secured unto all persons, and

WHEREAS, An increasingly complex society constantly raises new questions in application of the separation principle,

Therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this 1967 session of the Southern Baptist Convention reaffirm its 1963 declaration for separation of Church and State, and

Be it further RESOLVED, That we urge the Congress of the United States to enact legislation which would help clarify responsibility of the judiciary to interpret the meaning of the United States Constitution for separation of Church and State, including constitutionality of federal funds in church-sponsored programs, and

Be it further RESOLVED, That we remind all who call themselves Baptists, distinguish carefully the services that are publicly supported from the Christian ministries that should be supported exclusively by the churches and hold to programs that are clearly committed to Christ and His kingdom.