Messengers seconds ago passed a resolution that calls the election of President Obama a step toward nationwide racial reconciliation but that criticizes him for several of his policies. The resolution passed nearly unanimously by a show of ballots. It says, in part:

-- "messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention … share our nation's pride in our continuing progress toward racial reconciliation signaled by the election of Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America …

-- "we commend President Obama for his evident love for his family …

-- "we commend President Obama for his decisions to retain many foreign policies that continue to keep our nation safe from further terrorist attacks …

-- "we deplore the President's decision to expand federal funding for destructive human embryo research …

-- "we decry the President's decision to increase  funding for pro-abortion groups and to reduce funding for abstinence education …

-- "that we express our strong opposition to the president … declaring June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Month."

-- "we oppose the President's determination to strip pro-life healthcare professionals of their conscience protections …

-- "we earnestly pray for the President (1 Timothy 2:1-2) that he will use the constitutional authority assigned to his office to promote liberty and justice for all people, including the unborn …

-- "we will join hands with President Obama and his administration to advance causes of justice insofar as those efforts are consistent with biblical principles."