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Resolution On Voluntary Prayer


WHEREAS, There is a continuing national discussion on the relationship between public agencies and the advancement of religion, and

WHEREAS, Baptists have made a major contribution to the world by insisting on religious liberty for all and by emphasizing that a genuine religious experience is a voluntary response to God, and

WHEREAS, Prayer is one of the most intimate and sacred relationships to God and must be kept free from government or ecclesiastical intrusion, and

WHEREAS, Prayer is not a genuine response to God unless it is voluntary, at St. Louis, Missouri, June 2, 1971, reaffirm its resolution on Religious Liberty approved by the Convention at Atlantic City, N.J., May 22, 1964 (page 80, SBC Annual 1964), and

Be it further RESOLVED, That we do hereby reaffirm our belief in voluntary prayer on the part of all people and that we urge the churches to teach their members the true nature of prayer and the role of the Holy Spirit in helping people to pray, and

Be it further RESOLVED, That the Southern Baptist Convention encourage its constituency to participate in prayer experiences that are voluntary and uncoerced by governmental or ecclesiastical authorities.