Homosexuality and Baptist churches

Describing the Baptist view on homosexuality is difficult due to the multitude of Baptist organizations, each with a slightly different doctrinal statement. The issue is further compounded by the large number of autonomous Independent Baptist churches which are not part of an organization and have their own doctrinal statements and beliefs.

This article will attempt to cover basic beliefs on both sides of the issue.

Basic beliefs

As with most issues, there is a diversity of views of members of Baptist churches on homosexuality. Some denominations remain more conservative, believing in what they describe as 'traditional' marriage between one man and one woman. Other more liberal or moderate denominations allow local and autonomous congregations to determine their own regional policies. Thus, denominations are generally divided on the issue and reflect a diversity of opinions.[1]

Nevertheless, Baptists generally believe that homosexuality must be an issue that is approached with compassion and love. Dr. Albert Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, emphasizes that: "Our response to persons involved in homosexuality must be marked by genuine compassion. But a central task of genuine compassion is telling the truth, and the Bible reveals a true message we must convey. Those seeking to contort and subvert the Bible’s message are not responding to homosexuals with compassion. To lie is never compassionate — and their lie leads unto death." [2]

A relatively small, albeit growing, number of Baptists and congregations are open to the acceptance of homosexual relationships.[3][4]

Al Sharpton, a Baptist minister and Civil rights leader, during his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004 said that asking whether gays or lesbians should be able to get married was insulting: "That's like saying you give blacks, or whites, or Latinos the right to shack up – but not get married [...] It's like asking 'do I support black marriage or white marriage'. . . . The inference of the question is that gays are not like other human beings".[5]

Positions of churches

Several organizations and denominations of Baptist churches have issued statements and resolutions about homosexuality.

Conservative position

Neutral position

Liberal position

See also

References

  1. "Split among American Baptists over homosexuality is final". Baptist Press. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
  2. http://www.albertmohler.com/documents/HomosexualityBible.pdf
  3. 1 2 The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists
  4. Network of Baptists affirming Lesbian & Gay Christians
  5. Sharpton Chides Black Churches Over Homophobia, Gay Marriage, Dyana Bagby, Houston Voice, January 24, 2006
  6. Resolution On Homosexuality June 1988 on sbc.net
  7. On Same-Sex Marriage June 2003 on sbc.net
  8. Resolution On Homosexuality June 1976 on sbc.net
  9. Resolution On Homosexuality June 1985 on sbc.net]
  10. "American Baptist Churches USA: Responses/Actions pertaining homosexuality" on abc-usa.org.
  11. "Gay marriage: mainline denominations affirm SCOTUS". Baptist Press. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
  12. FAQ on nationalbaptist.com
  13. Salmon, Jacqueline L. (2007-08-19). "Rift Over Gay Unions Reflects Battle New to Black Churches". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
  14. Issues raised by the Equality Act (sexual orientation on baptist.org.uk
  15. "CBF to approve funding for pro-homosexual groups; gay church literature featured in CBF exhibit". Baptist Press. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
  16. Statement on Same Sex Marriage April 17, 2004 on allianceofbaptists.org
  17. "Member Congregations". Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
  18. "Detroit Black Churches Openly Accept Gays, Others Denounce - BLAC Detroit - June 2014". www.blacdetroit.com. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
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