Reconciliation and Forgiveness

"If there is to be reconciliation, first there must truth."
Timothy B. Tyson

In 1995, the Southern Baptist Convention offered a detailed a resolution regarding the churches role in slavery. The resolution honestly states the role  the South Baptist Convention had in supporting slavery.  The convention declares their role of defending and supporting the institution of slavery. They did not end with this statement regarding slavery. They went on to list their role in discrimination, oppression, injustice, and violence, both in the Civil War and throughout the history of our nation. 

Near the end of this proclamation, the Southern Baptist Convention  stated this,  "Be it further RESOLVED, That we ask forgiveness from our African-American brothers and sisters, acknowledging that our healing is at stake... they continue to state they commit ourselves eradicate racism in all its form from Southern Baptist life and ministry.

At the end of the resolution, they state this, 
"Be in finally RESOLVED, That we pledge our commitment to the Great Commission task making disciples of all people ( Matthew 28:19,) confessing that in the church God is calling together one people from every tribe and nation ( Revelation 5:9) and proclaiming that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is the only certain and sufficient ground upon which redeemed person will stand together in restored family union as joint- heirs with Christ ( Romans 8:17)

Now, nearly 19 years after this resolution, the SBC continues to live out/work on  that commitment. 

I think reconciliation is always a work in progress. By God's Grace, we continue to ask God to  help us live out the calling on our lives ...  Love God and Love People.