An Alabama lawmaker has resigned his position as a Baptist preacher after attending a birthday celebration for a KKK leader and posting about it on social media last weekend.
Alabama House of Representatives member Will Dismukes (R-Prattville) stepped down from his position as pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Prattville on Wednesday, July 29, according to The Alabama Baptist Publication.
It comes after days of public backlash from a Facebook post Dismukes made about attending a birthday party for KKK leader and Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest. The post was later deleted.
Dismukes announced on his Facebook page that he gave a prayer at the event in Selma on Saturday. At the same time, the late Civil Rights icon Rep. John Lewis was being taken over the Edmund Pettus bridge for the last time.
Alabama's Republican and Democratic parties released statements earlier this week denouncing Dismukes' actions.
Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions said,
We are saddened and grieved to learn of the recent Facebook post by state Rep. Will Dismukes. In the wake of tremendous controversy we reaffirm our opposition to any kind of racism.
Mel Johnson, lead mission strategist for Autauga Baptist Association, of which Pleasant Hill is a member told The Alabama Baptist publication, that he was thankful for Dismukes' resignation,
Autauga Baptist churches can move forward and remain focused toward Great Commission efforts to communicate the gospel and reach our world for Christ. Scripture is clear that all people are created in God’s image and therefore equal in every way before Christ and our personal need of Him as Savior and Lord.
Dismukes' has given to indication that he will resign as a member of Alabama's House of Representatives.
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