The General Association of Baptists in Kentucky, a representation of over 500 African American churches and 175,000 constituents, stands united in addressing the following principles and activities. Our agenda is based upon insights from Jeremiah 22:1-3 which declares, “GOD's orders: "Go to the royal palace and deliver this Message. Say, 'Listen to what GOD says, O King of Judah, you who sit on David's throne— you and your officials and all the people who go in and out of these palace gates. This is GOD's Message: Attend to matters of justice. Set things right between people. Rescue victims from their exploiters. Don't take advantage of the homeless, the orphans, the widows. Stop the murdering!” (MSG)

We gratefully and proudly acknowledge the legacy of civil rights involvement of generations of African American Christians and the black church’s response to injustices against our people and other communities affected by injustice. It’s in the vein of that prophetic tradition that we converge here in our state’s capital on this Good Friday. The members of our GABKY churches love Kentucky and work to improve the quality of life and opportunity for all. So, we are compelled to speak prophetically in opposition to practices, policies, or laws that may hurt, hinder, and/or isolate groups of people and/or counties all across the state. In speaking of the events Jesus would endure as part of His crucifixion experience, the NIV version of the Bible in Isaiah 53:8 states,

“By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested?” Unfortunately there was no protest held on His account then, but we stand in protest on His behalf today. We stand in protest of several bills circulating through our state legislative body that we firmly believe would be detrimental to many across the Commonwealth of KY and thus unjustly have a crucifying effect on our communities.