Combat Global Antisemitism

Southern Baptists have a longstanding history of support for the nation of Israel. In the 2016 resolution “On Prayer And Support For Israel,” Southern Baptists resolved to “support the right of Israel to exist as a sovereign state and reject any activities that attack that right by promoting economic, cultural, and academic boycotts against Israel.”

On Oct. 7, 2023, the terrorist organization Hamas committed violent atrocities and violated the sovereignty of the state of Israel. In response, the ERLC crafted the Evangelical Statement in Support of Israel, which called for a just condemnation of the attacks against the state of Israel and recognize the right of Israel to defend itself, in keeping with the just war tradition. Following the attack, there has been an alarming rise of anti-semitic incidents and rhetoric both domestically and abroad. We have seen alarming tolerance for antisemitic rhetoric and actions on college campuses across the country and at many of our global institutions, such as the United Nations. 

The ERLC continues to advocate for meaningful support for Israel in alignment with other evangelical leaders and faith-based groups. We pray for peace to arrive in the Middle East and for the safety of our Southern Baptist missionaries and friends residing in the Middle East, who seek to faithfully fulfill the call of the Great Commission.

SBC Actions

Southern Baptists spoke to antisemitism at the 2016 annual meeting through the Resolution on Prayer and Support for Israel, the 2003 annual meeting through the Resolution on Anti-Semitism, the 1981 annual meeting through the Resolution on Anti-Semitism, and the 1972 annual meeting through the Resolution on Anti-Semitism.