State convention votes to support repealing Pope County authorization

Members of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention voiced their support Wednesday for Issue 2, a ballot measure that would repeal authorization for a casino in Pope County. If the measure is approved, casinos wouldn't be allowed in locations outside of Crittenden, Garland and Jefferson counties unless the voters within the county vote to allow one.

The vote came during the second and final day of the convention's annual meeting, which was held this year at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock.

Baptists from across the state also reelected Brad Lewter, pastor of Grand Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Smith, as convention president for a second, one-year-term.

A total of 489 delegates, known as messengers, were on hand for this year's proceedings.

Larry