from Gay Activism in the Schools

Southern Baptists Discussing
Exit Strategy From Public Schools
Over Gay Activism

November 11, 2005 - In view of growing gay activism within the nation's public schools, Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) leaders are expressing a growing interest in urging parents to remove their children from the public school system.

The SBC debated a resolution earlier this year that called upon local Southern Baptist churches to investigate the pervasiveness of pro-gay materials in the public schools. If such materials are found, parents should be informed and encouraged to remove their children from the school districts immediately.

The SBC's 2005 annual meeting passed a modified resolution calling upon Baptists to consider alternative forms of education for their children if evidence of homosexual activism is discovered in public schools.

The resolution has sparked additional resolutions in 28 states. Roger Moran, a Southern Baptist leader in Missouri has said, "One of the great tragedies of American Christianity has been the near universal failure of its leaders to boldly proclaim the inherent dangers lurking within America's government-owned and controlled schools."

One of the co-authors of the resolution, Dr. Voddie Baucham has observed: "Our churches need to intervene to provide those children with a Christian education. The mission field is not just overseas; it is right here. And this mission effort requires a more serious commitment than just handing out tracts or sharing a testimony."

Dr. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, has echoed this concern for Southern Baptist children in public schools. In an essay, "Needed: An Exit Strategy," Mohler says that gay activism is the critical issue facing parents of children in public schools. He observes: "I believe that now is the time for responsible Southern Baptists to develop an exit strategy from the public schools. This strategy would affirm the basic and ultimate responsibility for Christian parents to take charge of the education of their own children."

Additional Reading: Gay Activism in the Schools.