Daily Alert

Southern Baptist Support Powers America’s Relationship with Israel

In the face of those who choose to justify hatred, 13 million members of America’s largest Protestant denomination stand unwaveringly with Israel.
Share this
Worship service at Grace Baptist Church
Worship service at Grace Baptist Church. (Grace Baptist Church Knoxville/CC BY 4.0)

Table of Contents

Ever since its creation in 1948, the modern state of Israel has maintained a deep friendship with the United States based upon shared moral and democratic values. As former U.S. President Ronald Reagan declared:

Israel and America may be thousands of miles apart, but we are philosophical neighbors sharing a strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law. What we hold in common are the bonds of trust and friendship, qualities that in our eyes make Israel a great nation. No people have fought longer, struggled harder, or sacrificed more than yours in order to survive, to grow, and to live in freedom.

That struggle continues in our own time, as we’ve witnessed the violent and deadly assaults by Israel’s genocidal and bloodthirsty foes. This generational threat is why the relationship between our two nations is so crucial. And few Americans cherish and advocate for that friendship more than Southern Baptists, who for decades have consistently voiced their support for Israel’s sovereignty and condemned antisemitism both at home and abroad. The Southern Baptist Convention is America’s largest Protestant denomination, with over 45,000 churches and nearly 13 million members.

As both of our nations adjust to the new American administration, Southern Baptists remain committed to advocating and praying for peace in Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). We are dedicated to ensuring the historic alliance between our nations is strong. President Trump’s strong record of support from his first term and his promise to continue that steadfast commitment in his second term should be a source of encouragement for us all.

Both the United States and Israel are shaped by a recognition of the importance of biblical principles that guide us toward flourishing and effective governance. George Washington, America’s first president, spoke of “religion and morality” as “indispensable supports” in his farewell address, cornerstones that are vital for both a nation’s prosperity and its cultivation of an ethical citizenry. This sentiment is echoed in the Declaration of Israel’s Independence, which explicitly bases its governing philosophy “on the precepts of liberty, justice and peace taught by the Hebrew Prophets.” Despite differences, both of us share a common foundation.

Our intertwined history and shared commitment to democracy and freedom are integral to our strong relationship. In the words of former U.S. President George W. Bush:

Our nations are bound by our shared values and a strong commitment to freedom. These ties that have made us natural allies will never be broken. Israel and the United States share a common history: We are both nations born of struggle and sacrifice. We are both founded by immigrants escaping religious persecution in other lands. Through the labors and strides of generations, we have both built vibrant democracies, founded in the rule of law and market economies. And we are both countries established with certain basic beliefs: that God watches over the affairs of men and values every human life.

Both the United States and Israel have shared a deep commitment to protecting the freedom of religious exercise since the times of their respective inceptions. In the United States, this commitment was enshrined in the First Amendment of our Constitution and explicitly reiterated to the Jewish people by Washington when he expressed his wish that “the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants.” Since its modern creation in 1948, Israel has expressed a similar devotion to “guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture” in its Declaration of Independence.

Southern Baptists have been particularly committed to these same principles of religious liberty, defending it across centuries, affirming it in the Baptist Faith & Message 2000, and emphasizing it in the name of its public policy arm—the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), of which I am the president.

Accordingly, in a 1978 resolution, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) declared its “confidence in the commitment of the state of Israel to religious liberty.” Southern Baptists have historically been some of the most outspoken American voices against antisemitism and in support of the state of Israel. Across generations, the Convention has consistently expressed its “indebtedness to the seed of Abraham” for the scriptures and our Messiah, condemned domestic attempts to boycott Israel, and supported Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation. Furthermore, it was President Harry Truman, a Southern Baptist, who became the very first world leader to recognize the legitimacy of the modern state of Israel mere minutes after its creation in 1948. And today, President Trump has appointed a Southern Baptist, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, as his ambassador to Israel. While it is true that some groups have used the name of Jesus to veil their antisemitism, the SBC has always been firm in its affection for the Jewish people.

The strength of this friendship and affection toward Israel among Southern Baptists is made even more abundantly clear through the efforts of the aforementioned ERLC. In the aftermath of the barbaric atrocities of October 7, 2023, it was the ERLC that led the charge in creating the Evangelical Statement in Support of Israel. This document drew on Christian Just War tradition to recognize the legitimacy of Israel’s military response against Hamas after its initiation of violence. The statement was joined by dozens of prominent evangelical leaders throughout the United States. Nearly one year later, in October of 2024, SBC President Clint Pressley and I sent joint letters to Congress and President Joe Biden to “unequivocally reaffirm the support of Southern Baptists for the people and the nation of Israel.” These actions demonstrate a deep, enduring, and active love for Israel on behalf of our broad coalition of churches.

Support for the nation of Israel is as important now as ever. As the only democratic ally of the United States in the Middle East region, Israel represents Western values of liberty and representative government and must not be allowed to stand alone against the onslaught of genocidal, antisemitic, and anti-Western aggression. Ranging from tragic terrorist attacks to vile antisemitic demonstrations on American college campuses, forces at home and abroad have been working to erode the biblical foundations upon which Western civilization rests. We, as Southern Baptists, recognize that our support for Israel is critical in the court of public opinion amid mounting attacks in the West against Israel’s sovereignty and the very shared principles upon which our civilizations are built. The particular challenges of this last year have made the opportunity for collaboration between the SBC and Israel, to defend and build on the foundations of our common values, more relevant than ever.

So, to the Israeli people, I wish to extend this encouragement: millions of Southern Baptists and other Christians across the globe stand behind you. Despite the bleak images that may be portrayed in the news and on social media platforms, ranging from protests at American universities to statements made by fringe members of our Congress, know that countless followers of Christ share a deep affection and gratitude for your people and your nation.

In the face of those who choose to legitimize evil, justify hatred, and seek to erode Western society, we stand unwaveringly in your corner and pray for lasting peace in the Middle East. I am hopeful that this friendship will only continue to grow as we fight arm in arm toward the goals of liberty, of justice, and of peace. In the words of President John F. Kennedy, “Israel was not created in order to disappear—Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralized by success. It carries the shield of democracy and it honors the sword of freedom.”

Brent Leatherwood

F. Brent Leatherwood serves as the President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Share this

Subscribe to Daily Alert

The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Related Items

Stay Informed, Always

Get the latest news, insights, and updates directly in your inbox—be the first to know!

Subscribe to Jerusalem Issue Briefs
The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.







Notifications

The Jerusalem Center
What makes a child believe killing a #Jew is justified?

In PA textbooks, Jews are called liars and frauds; their fate: elimination. This is #indoctrination—not #education. But change is happening. On East to West, @IMPACT_SE CEO Marcus Sheff exposes how #UNRWA-funded schools are fueling extremism—and what real reform looks like.  Listen now on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2JHqh973U  Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/8OkJTGNfVUc

11:43am
The Jerusalem Center
Highlights from the @Jerusalem_Post Annual Conference in NYC:

Dr. @Dan_Diker, President of the JCFA: “October 7 wasn’t just an attack on Israel — it was a blow to the U.S. on Israeli soil. It demands moral clarity and a united front between Israel and the U.S. to defeat jihadist terror.”

2:20pm
The Jerusalem Center
@XAVIAERD says it like it is

Well, @XAVIAERD says it like it is: If you’re part of “#Queers for #Palestine,” he’ll pay for your flight to #Gaza. Go see for yourself how they treat LGBTQ+ people over there. Don’t miss this bold take on the Israel-Hamas war and the woke right.

2:32pm
The Jerusalem Center
“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.”

“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.” On Our Middle East by @JNS_org, @Dan_Diker@KhaledAbuToameh (JCFA/@GatestoneInst) break it down: If Hamas isn’t crushed, Iran wins. The jihadis—from #Gaza to your campus—get the green light. Diker: “This war is for the West.” No fluff. No filters. Just raw insight from two insiders who actually know what’s going on.  Watch: youtu.be/4Aq_zcbb4Yo

2:15pm
The Jerusalem Center
5/5 Lt. Col. Kalo on East to West with @smartinezamir:

“This operation showcases Israel’s strategic intelligence superiority both regionally and globally. It demonstrates the moral commitment to recovered soldiers and also strengthens Israel’s position with allies.” youtube.com/watch?v=nIvNNi

2:07pm
The Jerusalem Center
4/5 The operation built on intelligence gathered during the 2019 #Baumel recovery

#Mossad agents operated under cover in #Syria for years, visiting a graveyard multiple times under fire to collect remains for DNA matching. The intelligence community’s evolution combines technology, big data analysis, and human intelligence capabilities.

2:02pm
The Jerusalem Center
3/5 This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander

This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander from #Hamas in #Gaza, significantly boosting national morale amid an ongoing conflict now stretching over 18 months. The dual successes demonstrate #Israel‘s unwavering commitment to bringing all soldiers home.

1:58pm
The Jerusalem Center
2/5 The operation used the power vacuum following #Assad’s fall from #Damascus

Lt. Col. Avi Kalo, former head of IDF Prisoners & Missing Persons Division, calls it “an outstanding event that brings hope and new spirit to the people of Israel.” The operation utilized the power vacuum following #Assad‘s fall from #Damascus, allowing #Israeli intelligence to deploy ground capabilities in #Syria.

1:56pm
The Jerusalem Center
1/5 Israeli forces recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi Feldman

In an unprecedented operation, Israeli forces have recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi #Feldman, missing since the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub. The complex #Mossad mission was conducted deep within #Syrian territory, 43 years after his disappearance. This follows the successful 2019 recovery of Zachary #Baumel from the same battle.

1:54pm
The Jerusalem Center
A molotov attack on a bus = a “barbecue party”?

That’s what #Palestinian kids are being taught under @UNRWA  — from grade school to graduation. This isn’t education. It’s indoctrination. Marcus Sheff of @IMPACT_SE  breaks it down with @smartinezamir

12:51pm

Close