SBC renounces racist past - Southern Baptist Convention

Christian Century, July 5, 1995

* Adopted a resolution opposing the confirmation of U.S. surgeon general nominee Henry Foster. In doing so it ignored a warning by one messenger that the statement "could be perceived as racist," since Foster is an African-American. Gary Frost told reporters that race is not the issue in the convention's opposition to Foster. "There's a clear distinction between racial issues and moral issues," Frost said.

* Voted in favor of a resolution calling on Congress to adopt a constitutional amendment to protect religious exercises, including voluntary prayer and religious speech by public school students.

In the convention's closing address evangelist Billy Graham, the SBC's best-known preacher, praised the action on racism and urged his fellow Baptists to "pull down the barriers which divide." He also remarked, "Thank God that you put your arms around the WMU."

Graham's presence electrified the gathering. Participants interrupted a hymn to give Graham a standing ovation as he stepped onto the convention platform several minutes after he was scheduled to arrive. Graham, who has preached at the SBC 15 times since 1951, recently was hospitalized in Toronto due to gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite his illness, Graham assured SBC President Henry he would address the convention "if it's the last breath I've got."