Current Issues
2019 Legislative Session
Latest: A Busy Legislative Season is Over
Diminishing the Value of One Life diminishes Them All
Saving as Many Heartbeats as Possible
Heartbeat Bill passes Georgia House
Harbin Introduces RFRA Bill to Georgia Senate
Georgia Baptist Mission Board Issues Support for Fetal Heartbeat Bill
Here We Go Again: Horse racing proposed in Georgia
ERA ratification in Georgia would allow abortion advances, say signatories
Making a Difference at the 2019 Legislative Session
The Christian’s Involvement in Election 2018
Read more from the blog “Under the Dome” on The Christian Index
Video: Annual Report
Predatory Gambling
Stop Predatory Gambling in Georgia Brief (PDF)
Statement on “Destination Resorts” – what’s coming to GA isn’t for kids!
Download Testimony Opposing SB 264
Download Testimony before the House and Senate Study Committee PDF
Defense of Marriage
GBC PRESS RELEASE: June 26 15, 2015
Georgia Baptist Convention Disagrees with SCOTUS Rulings in Obergefell v. Hodges
DOWNLOAD PDF
ERLC PRESS RELEASE: June 9, 2015
ERLC Partners with ADF in Creating Legal Resource for Churches Amidst Changing Marriage Culture
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention has partnered with Alliance Defending Freedom to create a legal guide for churches, schools and nonprofit organizations to use for their organizational structure in light of changes in the culture concerning marriage.
Download Press Release PDF
Download Legal Guide PDF
Connect With Us Online
Get Involved
“They understood the times and they knew what to do.” 1 Chronicles 12:32
Our Authority to Be Involved
A Constitutional Authority
- The first three words of the Constitution: “We the People”
- The three most basic rights in our Country: Life, Liberty, Property Rights (Pursuit of Happiness)
- We are “Endowed by Our Creator”
A Biblical Authority
- The first three words of ‘God’s Constitution’ is “If My People” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
- Three God-given Institutions: The Church, The Home, The Government
- Two Basic, Primary Responsibilities of Government: Protect Innocent Life, Punish Evildoers (Romans 13)
Georgia Baptist Convention’s Role at the Capitol
Observation, Education, Motivation, Activation
Georgia Baptist Convention’s Role In the State of Georgia
Locate: Pastors, Churches, Citizens
Educate: Biblical Worldview, Current Events/Trends, How to Become Involved
Motivate: The Gospel! The Constitution! The Love of Our Family!
Ways to Get Involved
Make Your Voice Count
Attend Events on Cultural Issues
How to Contact Your Representatives
- Office of the Governor
- Georgia House of Representitives Members List
- Georgia State Senate Members List
Election Information
- Voter Registration Online
- Voter Guides (will post as they are available)
Become an Intern at the Capital
Connect With Us Online
Upcoming Events
Pastors Day at the Capitol 2020
Georgia Baptist Premier Events
Go Georgia 2020
Ethics and Public Affairs Reports
2018 Georgia Baptist Convention Resolutions
Resolutions Approved at the 2018 Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting (Downloadable PDFs):
2017 Ethics and Public Affairs Report
2017 Ethics and Public Affairs Report – Mike Griffin from Georgia Baptist Convention.
Connect With Us Online
2017 GBC Resolutions
Resolutions Approved at the 2017 Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting (Downloadable PDFs):
- Resolution on Human Trafficking
- Resolution on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
- Resolution on the Moral and Social Public Health Crisis Created by Pornography
- Resolution on Religious Freedom for Adoption and Foster Care Ministries
Dangers of Marijuana Resources
Georgia Baptist Convention Position Statement on Marijuana
The Georgia Baptist Convention has not taken an official position for or against the use of medical marijuana for certain medical conditions. However, the Georgia Baptist Convention does oppose both the cultivation of marijuana and the legalization of recreational marijuana in the State of Georgia.
- Report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division – The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research (2017)
- Mike Griffin: Testimony before the Georgia Commission on Medical Cannabis
- Christian Index Article: The Trajectory of Marijuana Is Tracking Lust Like Alcohol – Downward
- Christian Index Article: Incremental steps toward recreational marijuana
- ERLC Article: The Church must respond to marijuana’s destructive march
- Pew Research Center Article: 6 facts about marijuana
2016 Ethics and Public Affairs Report
2016 Ethics and Public Affairs Report – Mike Griffin from Georgia Baptist Convention.
2016 GBC Resolutions
Resolutions Approved at the 2016 Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting (Downloadable PDFs):
2015 Ethics and Public Affairs Report
2015 Ethics and Public Affairs Report – Mike Griffin from Georgia Baptist Convention.
2015 GBC Resolutions
Resolutions Approved at the 2015 Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting (Downloadable PDFs):
2014 Ethics and Public Affairs Report
2014 Ethics and Public Affairs Report – Mike Griffin from Georgia Baptist Convention.
2014 GBC Resolutions
Resolutions Approved at the 2014 Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting (Downloadable PDFs):
- Resolution On Defending Traditional Marriage
- Resolution Concerning Common Core Education Standards
- Resolution On Gambling
- Resolution On Personhood and the Sanctity of Human Life
- Resolution On Protecting Religious Liberty
2014 Georgia Baptist Legislative Highlights
(Click to download PDF)
By Mike Griffin, GBC Public Affair Representative
Committee on Public Affairs
Responsibilities of the Committee
The Committee on Public Affairs, composing of fifteen members, is responsible to give voice on behalf of the Georgia Baptist Convention to its thought and position on public policy and social issues as approved in reports or resolutions by the Georgia Baptist Convention.
- Act in the field of Public affairs wherever the interest go Georgia Baptists requires conferences or negotiation with the government of the United States, the State of Georgia, or other government bodies or agencies, with particular attention to religious liberty and church-state matters.
- To give voice on behalf of the Georgia Baptist Convention to its thought and position on public issues as approved in reports or resolutions by the Georgia Baptist Convention. The Committee on Public Affairs shall also articulate the thinking of the Convention on subjects of public policy and social issues upon which the Convention has declared itself.
Committee on Public Affairs
Georgia Baptist Mission Board
6405 Sugarloaf Parkway
Duluth, GA 30097
Phone: 770-455-0404
Toll Free: 800-746-4422
Connect With Us Online
Mike Griffin, Public Affairs Representative
Since January 2014, Mike Griffin has served as the Public Affairs Representative for the Georgia Baptist Convention. His duties include lobbying at the state Capitol and speaking on moral and religious liberty issues around the state.
Mike is a native of Georgia and has been a Southern Baptist pastor for 30 years. His background includes:
- Executive Director of Ten Commandments – Georgia, Inc.
- 2006 Republican candidate for Georgia State Representative, 29th District
- Georgia Right to Life State Field Director
Mike Griffin
Public Affairs Representative
Public Affairs Ministry
706-436-2646 cell
mgriffin@gabaptist.org
Click here for full Bio (Printable PDF)
Current Issues
2019 Legislative Session
Latest: A Busy Legislative Season is Over
Diminishing the Value of One Life diminishes Them All
Saving as Many Heartbeats as Possible
Heartbeat Bill passes Georgia House
Harbin Introduces RFRA Bill to Georgia Senate
Georgia Baptist Mission Board Issues Support for Fetal Heartbeat Bill
Here We Go Again: Horse racing proposed in Georgia
ERA ratification in Georgia would allow abortion advances, say signatories
The Christian’s Involvement in Election 2018
Read more from the blog “Under the Dome” on The Christian Index
Video: Annual Report
Predatory Gambling
Stop Predatory Gambling in Georgia Brief (PDF)
Statement on “Destination Resorts” – what’s coming to GA isn’t for kids!
Download Testimony Opposing SB 264
Download Testimony before the House and Senate Study Committee PDF
Defense of Marriage
GBC PRESS RELEASE: June 26 15, 2015
Georgia Baptist Convention Disagrees with SCOTUS Rulings in Obergefell v. Hodges
DOWNLOAD PDF
ERLC PRESS RELEASE: June 9, 2015
ERLC Partners with ADF in Creating Legal Resource for Churches Amidst Changing Marriage Culture
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention has partnered with Alliance Defending Freedom to create a legal guide for churches, schools and nonprofit organizations to use for their organizational structure in light of changes in the culture concerning marriage.
Download Press Release PDF
Download Legal Guide PDF
Connect With Us Online
Get Involved
“They understood the times and they knew what to do.” 1 Chronicles 12:32
Our Authority to Be Involved
A Constitutional Authority
- The first three words of the Constitution: “We the People”
- The three most basic rights in our Country: Life, Liberty, Property Rights (Pursuit of Happiness)
- We are “Endowed by Our Creator”
A Biblical Authority
- The first three words of ‘God’s Constitution’ is “If My People” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
- Three God-given Institutions: The Church, The Home, The Government
- Two Basic, Primary Responsibilities of Government: Protect Innocent Life, Punish Evildoers (Romans 13)
Georgia Baptist Convention’s Role at the Capitol
Observation, Education, Motivation, Activation
Georgia Baptist Convention’s Role In the State of Georgia
Locate: Pastors, Churches, Citizens
Educate: Biblical Worldview, Current Events/Trends, How to Become Involved
Motivate: The Gospel! The Constitution! The Love of Our Family!
Ways to Get Involved
Make Your Voice Count
Attend Events on Cultural Issues
How to Contact Your Representatives
- Office of the Governor
- Georgia House of Representitives Members List
- Georgia State Senate Members List
Election Information
- Voter Registration Online
- Voter Guides (will post as they are available)
Become an Intern at the Capital
Connect With Us Online
Upcoming Events
Pastors Day at the Capitol 2020
Georgia Baptist Premier Events
Go Georgia 2020
Ethics and Public Affairs Reports
2018 Georgia Baptist Convention Resolutions
Resolutions Approved at the 2018 Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting (Downloadable PDFs):
2017 Ethics and Public Affairs Report
2017 Ethics and Public Affairs Report – Mike Griffin from Georgia Baptist Convention.
Connect With Us Online
2017 GBC Resolutions
Resolutions Approved at the 2017 Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting (Downloadable PDFs):
- Resolution on Human Trafficking
- Resolution on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
- Resolution on the Moral and Social Public Health Crisis Created by Pornography
- Resolution on Religious Freedom for Adoption and Foster Care Ministries
Dangers of Marijuana Resources
Georgia Baptist Convention Position Statement on Marijuana
The Georgia Baptist Convention has not taken an official position for or against the use of medical marijuana for certain medical conditions. However, the Georgia Baptist Convention does oppose both the cultivation of marijuana and the legalization of recreational marijuana in the State of Georgia.
- Report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division – The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research (2017)
- Mike Griffin: Testimony before the Georgia Commission on Medical Cannabis
- Christian Index Article: The Trajectory of Marijuana Is Tracking Lust Like Alcohol – Downward
- Christian Index Article: Incremental steps toward recreational marijuana
- ERLC Article: The Church must respond to marijuana’s destructive march
- Pew Research Center Article: 6 facts about marijuana
2016 Ethics and Public Affairs Report
2016 Ethics and Public Affairs Report – Mike Griffin from Georgia Baptist Convention.
2016 GBC Resolutions
Resolutions Approved at the 2016 Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting (Downloadable PDFs):
2015 Ethics and Public Affairs Report
2015 Ethics and Public Affairs Report – Mike Griffin from Georgia Baptist Convention.
2015 GBC Resolutions
Resolutions Approved at the 2015 Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting (Downloadable PDFs):
2014 Ethics and Public Affairs Report
2014 Ethics and Public Affairs Report – Mike Griffin from Georgia Baptist Convention.
2014 GBC Resolutions
Resolutions Approved at the 2014 Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting (Downloadable PDFs):
- Resolution On Defending Traditional Marriage
- Resolution Concerning Common Core Education Standards
- Resolution On Gambling
- Resolution On Personhood and the Sanctity of Human Life
- Resolution On Protecting Religious Liberty
2014 Georgia Baptist Legislative Highlights
(Click to download PDF)
By Mike Griffin, GBC Public Affair Representative
Committee on Public Affairs
Responsibilities of the Committee
The Committee on Public Affairs, composing of fifteen members, is responsible to give voice on behalf of the Georgia Baptist Convention to its thought and position on public policy and social issues as approved in reports or resolutions by the Georgia Baptist Convention.
- Act in the field of Public affairs wherever the interest go Georgia Baptists requires conferences or negotiation with the government of the United States, the State of Georgia, or other government bodies or agencies, with particular attention to religious liberty and church-state matters.
- To give voice on behalf of the Georgia Baptist Convention to its thought and position on public issues as approved in reports or resolutions by the Georgia Baptist Convention. The Committee on Public Affairs shall also articulate the thinking of the Convention on subjects of public policy and social issues upon which the Convention has declared itself.
Committee on Public Affairs
Georgia Baptist Mission Board
6405 Sugarloaf Parkway
Duluth, GA 30097
Phone: 770-455-0404
Toll Free: 800-746-4422
Connect With Us Online
Mike Griffin, Public Affairs Representative
Since January 2014, Mike Griffin has served as the Public Affairs Representative for the Georgia Baptist Convention. His duties include lobbying at the state Capitol and speaking on moral and religious liberty issues around the state.
Mike is a native of Georgia and has been a Southern Baptist pastor for 30 years. His background includes:
- Executive Director of Ten Commandments – Georgia, Inc.
- 2006 Republican candidate for Georgia State Representative, 29th District
- Georgia Right to Life State Field Director
Mike Griffin
Public Affairs Representative
Public Affairs Ministry
706-436-2646 cell
mgriffin@gabaptist.org
Click here for full Bio (Printable PDF)