Evangelical leader to Israeli people: Millions of Southern Baptists worldwide stand with you – here’s why

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 Ronald Reagan, our 40th president, 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 U.S. and Israel are shaped by a recognition of the importance of biblical principles that guide us toward flourishing and effective governance. Our first president, George Washington, 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 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 on 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 U.S. and Israel have shared a deep commitment to protecting the freedom of religious exercise since the time of their respective inception. In the U.S., 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 Oct. 7, 2023, it was the ERLC that led the charge in creating the Evangelical Statement in Support of Israel. This document drew on the 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 U.S. 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 you, 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.”