Oklahoma Baptists vow to protect the unborn, sanctity of marriage

Delegates to the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma's annual meeting at First Baptist Church of Moore approved three sanctity of life resolutions among the 11 resolutions approved Tuesday.

The Rev. Jeff Moore, pastor of First Baptist Church of Altus and chairman of the resolutions committee, said the resolutions are meant to “help provide a voice” for the convention's ethics and religious liberty committee as members talk to legislators and others about sanctity of life concerns.

One resolution affirmed the value of every human life from conception to natural death. The same resolution said Baptists will encourage biblical options such as adoption for those considering abortion, but also extend the message of hope, forgiveness and restoration to those who have chosen abortion.

A second resolution emphasized the sanctity of “preborn human life” and outlined Baptists' support for legislation that curbs abortion. A third resolution expressed appreciation for past and present state leaders who have supported legislation protecting the unborn.

Heidi Wilburn, an ethics and religious liberty committee spokeswoman, said resolutions will aid efforts to support sanctity of human life issues.