Vice President Mike Pence yesterday delivered a 35-minute address (
full text) at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas. He said in part:
... 40 years ago this spring, I heard the very message that Southern Baptists speak so faithfully across this nation every day ...that “God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever might believe in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life.” And I walked the sawdust trail that night in 1978, and gave my life to Jesus Christ, and it’s made all the difference....
So thank you for carrying that timeless message everyday with such faithfulness to the American people. The truth is, Southern Baptists have always worked to bring about renewal of America, and new beginnings. And as I stand before you today, I believe that our nation is in the midst of a time of renewal. And we are in the midst of a new beginning of greatness in America.
CNN reported that some in attendance "were disturbed by the overtly political tone" of much of the rest of Pence's remarks, adding:
many Southern Baptists, particularly people of color and younger members, were put off by the decision to allow Pence a platform at what's supposed to be a nonpolitical event.
