The Alabama Baptist State Convention concludes its five-day meeting, becoming the first Baptist body to issue a statement in support of southern secession:
“At a moment when grave and serious issues face the country. . . . we have the profound conviction that the Union of the states has failed . . . we can no longer hope for justice, protection or safety from the Federal Union. . . . We hold ourselves subjects to the call of proper authority in defense of the sovereignty and independence of the State of Alabama and of her right, as a sovereignty to withdraw from the Union; and to make arrangements for securing her rights.”
