From the days of the American Revolution, which was sometimes referred
to in England as “Presbyterian rebellion,” Presbyterians
have a long history of seeking fairness and justice for all people.
Motivated by the principles of our theological confessions, Presbyterians
seek to live in a way that is sensitive to God’s mandate that
we be responsible stewards of all creation.
Impelled by our tradition and by our present concern for the people
of Alabama, the Presbytery of South Alabama encourages Governor
Don Seigelman and the members of the legislature of Alabama to call
for the election of a convention to write a new constitution for
our state.
We believe a new constitution to be warranted in that, due to its
concentration of power in the state capitol the current constitution
is unwieldy and tends to inhibit growth and local initiative, as
witnessed by the necessity of over 700 amendments to date. The current
constitution also perpetuates a tax system that is inequitable in
its discrimination against the poor of this state,
and has the practical result of providing insufficient funding for
the services essential to
progress for our people.
In taking this action, our Presbytery joins with other concerned
Christians. Some have spoken through the Council of Priests of the
Archdiocese of Mobile, and the Presbytery of North Alabama who have
taken similar positions seeking a new, equitable constitution for
the betterment of the people of Alabama in the 21st century. Others
who have spoken to the specific issue of tax reform, include the
Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley, the Alabama Baptist Convention,
the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, and the Alabama United Methodists.
Further, the Presbytery communicates this resolution to the Governor
and the members of the Legislative Delegations within the bounds
of the Presbytery via letters from the moderator
and stated clerk.
Adopted unanimously by the Presbytery of South Alabama – February
14, 2002.
T. Morton McMillan, Jr., Moderator
Dr. McMillan may be contacted at: Trinity Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 441
Fairhope, Alabama 36533
