Anti-public schools resolution finds little support at Summit

ORLANDO (FBW)—A resolution calling for a Southern Baptist exodus from public schools, proposed by two laymen for consideration by the Southern Baptist Convention during its upcoming annual meeting in Indianapolis June 15-16, found little support at a May 11 meeting of Southern Baptist backers of Christian schools.

T.C. Pinckney of Alexandria, Va., and Bruce N. Shortt of Houston are circulating the initiative which calls public schools in America “officially godless” and urges Southern Baptists to “remove their children from … government schools.” The resolution, although proposed only for consideration by the Convention’s Resolution Committee, has already garnered major media attention across America weeks before the committee and Convention even meet.

Pickney is a retired Air Force general, former SBC second vice president and editor of the Baptist Banner. Shortt is a Houston attorney and Texas coordinator for Exodus Mandate, an organization that describes itself as advancing “the proposition that private, Christian and home-school education can successfully replace public education.”

The entire resolution contains 20 “Whereas” clauses and three “Be it resolved” clauses, spanning 910 words. It may be read in full on Florida Baptist Witness Web site.

In a statement provided to Florida Baptist Witness, Tommy Green, pastor of First Baptist Church, Brandon, and president of the Florida Baptist State Convention, expressed opposition to the resolution.

Noting that many Southern Baptists work in public schools, Green said, “The schools are a mission field and a place of ministry for our teachers and other employees. I trust that we will pray for these faithful folks who are in the midst of the world seeking to make a difference in Jesus name. Our Southern Baptist Convention needs to affirm and not criticize these individuals for their diligent labor for the Lord.”

SBC President Jack Graham issued a statement in response to media interest in the resolution expressing skepticism that the resolution will be favorably considered by the Resolutions Committee “in its present form.”

Florida Baptist Convention Executive Director-Treasurer John Sullivan agreed, telling the Witness, “I don’t think the resolution will go anywhere in its current form.”

In an email interview with the Witness, Pinckney said the “resolution is primarily about being obedient to God.”

The most important reason for the resolution is that “in the Bible, God assigns the responsibility for the education of children to the parents, not to the government. When we relinquish that education to any other agency, including the government, we are not following God’s commands,” he said.

“Government schools are and now must be in the United States officially godless. This amounts to an artificial compartmentalization of life.”

Pinckney added, “We believe it is time for the SBC to take a biblical stand on this issue.”

To those who argue that Christians must minister in public education, Pinckney points to the resolution’s last “Whereas” clause, about which he said it “commends Christian government school teachers and administrators. … They have a tough assignment and are to be applauded.”

Pinckney told the Witness if the Resolutions Committee fails to report the resolution for consideration by the Southern Baptist Convention “someone will,” perhaps himself or Shortt, attempt to get the two-thirds support necessary to bring the matter to the floor for a vote.

Even among strong Christian school advocates meeting in Orlando for a first-ever Florida Baptist Kingdom Education Summit, few offered support for the resolution.

Although James Kibelbek, pastor, First Baptist Church, Port Charlotte, supports the “essence” of the resolution, Kibelbek told the Witness the wording “is a bit harsh” and “sounds too rebellious.” He would prefer posturing support for Christian education in a “more positive light.”

Glen Schultz, director of LifeWay Christian School Resources—the office of LifeWay Christian Resources tasked to support Christian schools in the SBC—said he would prefer Southern Baptists to say what they are for, rather than what they are against. Schultz added that the resolution focuses too much “on something out there, outside Christianity, what the world’s doing. … We’ve got to focus on biblical principles and let that guide us, rather than saying let’s run away from here.”

Jim Henry, pastor, First Baptist Church, Orlando and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, told the Witness he is uncomfortable with a blanket statement condemning all public schools. “To call for all Southern Baptists [to leave public schools], that’s a pretty wide brush stroke and it may not be applicable to everybody.” Henry added, “Take a stand, yes; but there’s another way to do it.”

Even the head of the Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools told the Witness the resolution is “ungracious” and “inflammatory.” Ed Gamble, executive director of SBACS, said that he would “probably” vote against the resolution if it came to the floor for consideration in Indianapolis.

More than just being bad PR or setting the wrong tone, Gamble said, “It’s a matter of basic, biblical philosophy—what is it we are trying to achieve with our children? … If a parent can choose a public school system and give their child the kind of education that results in their child being given a Kingdom education, go for it. And I know parents who have done that.”

Prompted by the Pinckney/Shortt resolution, a Tennessee pastor has filed a resolution expressing support for public education. Jim West, pastor, First Baptist Church, Petros, Tenn., told the Baptist and Reflector, newspaper of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, that his concern is theological.

“Christians aren’t supposed to withdraw from the world. They are supposed to minister to the world,” he said.

Messengers wishing to propose resolutions must submit them at least 15 days prior to the annual meeting, giving the Resolutions Committee a two-week period in which to consider them. Detailed guidelines on submitting resolutions are available on the Internet at www.sbcannualmeeting.net.

The Resolutions Committee will meet in Indianapolis prior to the SBC annual meeting. The committee will consider submitted proposals and determine what resolutions will be submitted to the Convention for consideration.

With additional reporting by Art Toalston, Baptist Press.