“The Supreme Court issued their ruling this morning overturning Roe v. Wade, thus making abortion bans possible in states. I celebrate this decision and pray that it insures not even one more abortion is performed in the state of Mississippi. I’m also hopeful this decision will result in a cultural shift across the country on understanding the sanctity of human life.
“This is a controversial decision, and we have been alerted that it may prompt hostility focused on the evangelical community. Therefore, I want to encourage all our Mississippi Baptist churches to be sensitive to the possibility of protests surrounding church gatherings. A few tips we would like to offer as suggestions:
- Provide extra measures to insure the security of your church family and facilities as you meet in the coming weeks.
- If protests should occur, call 911 immediately and allow trained law enforcement to deal with the matter.
- Avoid confronting protesters and do not respond to them so as to minimize the possibility of escalation.
- Demonstrate grace and Christian respect to any who protest. Remember that this is an opportunity to reflect the love of Christ in a tense moment, and this demonstration of love could be transformative for some.
- The media may very well target Mississippi because we are the state of origin for the case of ruling. Therefore, think through the process of responding to media requests and insure that your church is informed of the plan. A good rule of thumb for any press release you might offer is to be as concise as possible.
“Be sure of my prayers for each of you as you continue to serve the Lord and lead in your respective church and community!”
Dr. Shawn Parker, MBCB Executive Director-Treasurer
“Friday, June 24, 2022, is a historic and monumental day in our nation. The United States Supreme Court made its ruling and decision on the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that was argued by Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch along with the legal team from her office.
“This decision effectively ends the recognition of a ‘constitutional right’ to abortion nationwide and gives individual states the power to allow, limit, or ban the practice altogether.
“U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Judge Samuel A. Alito wrote in the court’s 6-3 ruling, ‘We therefore hold that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. Roe and Casey must be overruled, and the authority to regulate abortion must be returned to the people and their elected representatives.’
“TODAY IS A GREAT DAY FOR UNBORN CHILDREN, with the overturning of forty-nine years of allowing a prior United States Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, that wascompletely opposite of God’s Law to be overturned.
“Being a pastor of a local church and president of the Mississippi Baptist Convention, I realize the further divisions that this ruling will cause. Our nation has faced vandalism, threats, protests, and even violent reactions from the so-called ‘leak’ of this ruling several weeks ago.
“The Apostle Peter wrote, ‘But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear…’ (1 Peter 3:15).
“May we react with the answer of HOPE that is in our Lord God. May our answers reflect the salt and light (Matthew 5:13) when faced with views that are polar opposites of what we believe. Often these opposing views are seen with hostility, anger, and threats of violence. May they see the meekness and humility of Jesus as we reflect Him.
“I believe this is good news for those who believe in Jesus and know His Word! Our mission is to use this monumental moment to point to Jesus, and share the ‘Good’ of the Good News — the reason for our hope.
“May our ‘light so shine among men that they see our good works and glorify our God which is in Heaven’ (Matthew 5:16). God Bless You.”
Dr. Lloyd Sweatt, President, Mississippi Baptist Convention, Pastor, Meadowood Church, Amory
“At the Christian Action Commission, June 24, 2022, is a day of praise, thanksgiving, and gratitude. We are grateful for the following:
1. A historic, courageous decision by the Supreme Court of the United States overturning Roe v. Wade.
2. Our state leadership in Mississippi who led the effort before the Supreme Court with our 15-week law restricting abortion.
3. A true conservative president who appointed three of the five true conservative justices who had the courage to go against the chief justice.
4. Godly, wise forefathers of our nation who gifted us with the Constitution of the United States and the checks and balances of our three branches of government – executive, legislative, and judicial.
5. All the pro-life supporters who for 50 years have patiently and peacefully prayed and worked for this great day.”
Dr. Kenny Digby, Executive Director-Treasurer, Christian Action Commission
