Amid calls to restrict Muslim immigration, the Southern Baptist Convention approved a resolution encouraging member churches and families to welcome refugees coming to the United States.
Messengers at the SBC's annual meeting in St. Louis, Missouri approved Resolution 12, titled "On Refugee Ministry," as part of a block vote taken Wednesday on the five remaining resolutions from Tuesday.
"That we affirm that refugees are people loved by God, made in His image, and that Christian love should be extended to them as special objects of God's mercy in a world that has displaced them from their homelands," reads Resolution 12.
"That we encourage Southern Baptist churches and families to welcome and adopt refugees into their churches and homes as a means to demonstrate to the nations that our God longs for every tribe, tongue, and nation to be welcomed at His Throne …"
Resolution 12 also called for "governing authorities to implement the strictest security measures possible in the refugee screening and selection process, guarding against anyone intent on doing harm …"
Recently, refugee resettlement has been a lightning rod for political controversy, especially regarding displaced individuals from the Middle East.
Many state governors have officially refused to allow the resettlement of Syrian refugees, citing national security concerns over proper vetting.