NASHVILLE (BP) – A spike in hatred and persecution against Jewish people was the motivation for the resolution on antisemitism passed by messengers at the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando.
“This year’s resolution addresses and explicitly condemns a growing trend of antisemitism both here in the United States and around the world,” Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Evan Lenow told Baptist Press.
“Much of this hatred is perpetuated online, but there is real harm seen through terrorist activity and attacks directed at Jewish people across the globe,” said Lenow, who also served as a member of this year’s SBC Resolutions Committee.
The resolution describes these developments in its opening paragraph.
“Since the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023, antisemitism has surged across the United States and the world, manifesting in physical violence, harassment, university campus glorification of terrorism, and a broad aggression directed at Jewish people,” it says.
It goes on to deal with conspiracy theories that are being spread widely on social media and through online platforms. It says many of those messages falsely accuse Jewish people of “controlling media, finance, politics, weather, and culture for sinister ends that are modern echoes of historic libels that have incited persecution for centuries.”
While some may believe that what is shared on a screen is distant from reality, one Israeli leader says that is hardly the case.
“When Jewish communities, synagogues, or individuals are threatened simply because they are Jewish, Israelis take it personally,” said Lorin Maugery, consul-director for the Israel Ministry of Tourism.
He added that because Israelis are a close-knit people and Israel is a small country, they are all affected by antisemitic violence around the world.
“Nearly everyone has family members or close friends connected to Jewish communities abroad,” Maugery told Baptist Press.
Why should Southern Baptists lean in?
The resolution draws from previous Southern Baptist perspectives and actions when it comes to antisemitism.
“Southern Baptists have historically expressed our profound gratitude for the Jewish people and have consistently condemned antisemitism as unchristian and contrary to the gospel,” it says.
But it also looks beyond Southern Baptist history, spotlighting God’s long relationship with Israel throughout biblical history.
“God chose Abraham and his descendants for his redemptive purpose; to them he gave the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the law, the worship, and the promises, all of which are fulfilled in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ,” the resolution says.
Lenow says Southern Baptists should care about Jewish people because God does.
“As Christians, we recognize that God chose Abraham and his descendants to be the ones through whom he would accomplish his redemptive work through Jesus Christ,” he said. “For that reason, we understand that God has a special plan for the Jewish people.”
Maugery said the message sent by Southern Baptists is strong, and he believes it will help Jewish people know they are not alone and that millions of Christians are willing to stand against hate and violence.
“Words matter, especially when they are backed by conviction and action,” Maugery said. “A resolution adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, sends a clear message that antisemitism has no place in Christian communities.”
Respect, dialogue and friendship
When it comes to moving forward in a hostile age, Lenow says Southern Baptists must be intentional in pushing against antisemitism.
“Southern Baptists can combat the growing trend of antisemitism by asserting the dignity of all people as made in God’s image and by refusing to perpetuate conspiracy theories and falsehoods about the Jewish people,” he said.
Maugery said pastors and church leaders are key.
“Churches can educate their congregations about the history and dangers of antisemitism, encourage relationships with local Jewish communities, speak out whenever antisemitic incidents occur, and reject conspiracy theories and misinformation that often fuel hatred,” he said.
While this can be aided by resources, both men agree that relationships are paramount.
Maugery encourages Southern Baptists to look for ways to connect with Jewish people in their own communities.
“As the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, often taught, ‘A little light dispels a great deal of darkness,’” Maugery said.
The resolution echoes this sentiment.
“That we call upon Southern Baptists to combat antisemitism in our churches and communities through biblical teaching, personal friendship with Jewish neighbors, courageous public witness, and prayer for the peace of Jerusalem and the salvation of Israel,” it says.
