Statement by Paul Baxley, CBF Executive Coordinator

As night falls, I call on all Cooperative Baptists to join me and people of all faith traditions in praying for an end to the riots that have overtaken the United States Capitol this afternoon. This kind of riotous violence is sinful and destructive toward all people. It must stop. Let us pray that our leaders will use words and take actions that end the violence while seeking justice and peace. Let us pray for an end to the hateful speech, extraordinary injustice and bitter partisanship that has brought us to this dangerous precipice. As people of faith, let us examine ourselves to see how we are being called by God to speak, give and act toward Micah’s vision that we “do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God.”

When the morning dawns, and as new days come thereafter, we must continue to ask soul searching questions and seek a better way forward. Tonight is a time for genuine lament, honest repentance and fervent prayer.

In that spirit, let us remember the words lifted from Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, a vey present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change…..God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved. God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter, He utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge.”