WHEREAS, The American Psychological Association has recently published an article in its Psychological Bulletin (July 1998, Vol. 124, No. 1) implying that "adult-child sex" may not be harmful and may be positive for so-called "willing" children; and

WHEREAS, The American Psychological Association, in order to clarify its position over against the authors of the study, has issued a public "Resolution Opposing Child Sexual Abuse;" and

WHEREAS, We affirm the American Psychological Association in its responsibility to clarify its opposition to so called "adult-child sexual relations;" and

WHEREAS, The Bible declares that children are precious gifts from God and are "an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3); and

WHEREAS, Parents are called by God to rear their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4); and

WHEREAS, The spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children is our sacred duty; and

WHEREAS, No civilization can long survive without protecting and nurturing its children; and

WHEREAS, The sexual abuse of children is a particularly heinous assault on the dignity of children; and

WHEREAS, The sexual abuse of children is not only clearly immoral but also illegal in the United States.

Be it RESOLVED, that we, the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, June 15-16, 1999, affirm the biblical witness and commit ourselves afresh to protecting our children against sexual abuse and other assaults on their persons; and

Be it further RESOLVED, that we repudiate and denounce every suggestion that sexual relationships between adults and children may not be harmful or may be positive for so-called "willing" children; and

Be it further RESOLVED, that we call upon our elected and appointed officials to reject and condemn, in the strongest possible terms, in both written and verbal form, any suggestion that sexual relations between children and adults are anything but abusive, destructive, exploitive, reprehensible, and punishable by law; and

Be it further RESOLVED, that we urge policymakers and law enforcement officials to support and enforce laws against pedophilia, molestation, and other forms of sexual abuse; and

Be it further RESOLVED, that we call on the American Psychological Association and other professional organizations to exercise appropriate editorial discretion in the future by refusing to publish studies or reports which attempt to normalize or legitimize immoral behavior, including "adult-child sex;" and

Be it further RESOLVED, that we encourage those who are victims of sexual abuse to seek appropriate spiritual counseling in order to find the support and strength they need to begin the process of healing from their terrible ordeal; and

Be it finally RESOLVED, that we commit ourselves to pray and work toward the creation of safe communities for all children.

SBC Resolutions
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