The resolution calls political leaders to preserve the freedom of religion and commends Christians who uphold a biblical worldview; it specifically names President Obama, Alaska Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich and Alaska Rep. Don Young; and it commends Dan Cathy and the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain that Cathy leads.
"We call upon all appropriate government and legislative bodies and leaders, including United States President Barak Obama, Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich, and Alaska Representative Don Young to courageously support and defend the full rights afforded all Americans in the Constitution of the United States, specifically the right to religious liberty as guaranteed in the First Amendment," the resolution reads.
"We commend and support all Christians who, in the face of ridicule, slander and persecution, take a redemptive biblical stand, as specifically exampled by Dan Cathy and the Chick-fil-A Corporation," the document reads.
Alaska Baptists also commended "all Christians and churches who minister redemptively to those persons enslaved by non-biblical sexuality issues," promising "prayerful support for all Christian ministries that seek to be instruments of God's redemption from all sin."
Messengers voted to send the resolution to Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell and all individuals named in the document.
A $1.5 million 2013 budget was adopted, 19 percent less than the current $1.8 million budget, which was 14.6 percent less than the previous year.
In Cooperative Program giving from the convention's 100 churches, $683,679 has been budgeted, 36 percent of which will be allocated to Southern Baptist national and international missions and ministries -- up 3 percent from last year -- and $65,190 for shared expenses with the SBC.
Elected as 2013 officers are: president, Don Shannon, pastor of the Sunset Hills Baptist Church in Anchorage; first vice president, Johnny McCoy, pastor of the First Baptist Church in North Pole; second vice president, Jack Sherman, a member of First Baptist Church in Palmer; and recording secretary, Mary Sue Foster, a member of Fairview Loop Baptist Church in Wasilla.
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"We Would See Jesus" was the theme for the Sept. 25-26 meeting at Glacier Valley Baptist Church in Juneau.
In other business, messengers recognized Mike Procter, ABC executive director and treasurer, for 10 years of service, and scheduled its 68th annual meeting for Sept. 23-25, 2013, at Glacier Valley Baptist Church in Juneau.
Compiled by Baptist Press staff writer Diana Chandler with reporting by Alaska Baptist Convention staff. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email ( baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).
Copyright (c) 2012 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press www.BPNews.net
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