The Southern Baptist Convention part 4

We ended the convention today. Amidst entity reports and a variety of motions, I want to address one of the resolutions that was approved today concerning reproductive technologies. You can read the full resolution here, and I would encourage you to do so. What I realized as we left Indianapolis is that many of the headlines did not give the full story. The resolution is not speaking completely against IVF but asking for careful, ethical considerations. That should be noted. However, after the resolution was presented , there was an amendment made that added language at various spots making the resolution considerably more empathetic and understanding of parents who would choose IVF. Another person spoke in favor of the amendment, saying simply, “I have a son because of IVF.” I felt that the amendment was necessary in making the resolution more sensitive and fair. I voted in favor of the amendment but it did not pass. Because it lacked the language that I thought it made it more kind and understanding I voted no on the resolution. It should be noted that resolutions made at the SBC are not binding on churches. The headlines that you may have read were not completely accurate and that is unfortunate. But the fact that the resolution as passed could have shamed caring, loving, life affirming parents is also unfortunate.