Southern Baptists affirm that every life is worthy of dignity and protection, including the lives of vulnerable people groups. In the 2019 resolution “On Biblical Justice,” Southern Baptists resolved to “address injustices through gospel proclamation, by advocating for people who are oppressed and face wrongs against them. Additionally, in the 2018 resolution “On Reaffirming The Full Dignity Of Every Human Being,” Southern Baptists resolved that “we affirm the full dignity of every human being of whatever political or legal status or party and denounce rhetoric that diminishes the humanity of anyone.”
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.
