Homosexuality and Baptist churches

As with most issues, there is a diversity of views of members of Baptist churches on homosexuality. Baptist churches are congregationalist, meaning that local congregations can set their own policy on any issue, including homosexuality.

The overwhelming majority of Baptists believe homosexual behavior to be contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures and therefore sinful.).

A relatively small, albeit growing, number of Baptists are open to the acceptance of homosexual relationshps.

Several organizations and denominations of Baptist churches have issued statements and resolutions about homosexuality. Some of those are listed here:
* The Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Baptist denomination in the United States, has issued several resolutions in which it rejects homosexuality as a lifestyle and refers to it as a "manifestation of a depraved nature", "a perversion of divine standards and as a violation of nature and natural affections" and "an abomination in the eyes of God." [ [http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/amResolution.asp?ID=610 Resolution On Homosexuality] June 1988 on sbc.net] It opposes same-sex marriages and equivalent unions. [ [http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/amResolution.asp?ID=1128 On Same-Sex Marriage] June 2003 on sbc.net] The Convention has urged churches not to show any approval of homosexuality. [ [http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/amResolution.asp?ID=606 Resolution On Homosexuality] June 1976 on sbc.net] The Convention however also holds that "while the Bible condemns such practice as sin, it also teaches forgiveness and transformation, upon repentance, through Jesus Christ our Lord." [ [http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/amResolution.asp?ID=609 Resolution On Homosexuality] June 1985 on sbc.net] ]
* Many Independent Baptist Churches condemn homosexuality as a sin and pure wickedness, many do not allow gays to become members in the church. However, they believe that the person can be repent of their sins and abandon that lifestyle and turn to a normal society.
* Within the American Baptist Churches USA, a mainline American Baptist denomination, there has been a variety of understandings on homosexuality. The convention holds "that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching." It also opposes same sex marriage. It advocates dialog on the issue. Some individual congregations however hold contrary views. ["American Baptist Churches USA: Responses/Actions pertaining homosexuality" on [http://www.abc-usa.org/resources.htm abc-usa.org] .]
* The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, an American network of Baptist churches, does not have an official policy on homosexuality (or other social issues). However it does not allow the expenditure of funds of the organization on the advocacy of homosexuality or the hiring of staff members who are practicing homosexuals. ["CBF organizational policy on homosexuality" on [http://www.thefellowship.info/Inside%20CBF/downloads.icm thefellowship.info] ]
* The National Baptist Convention, an African-American Baptist denomination holds no official view on homosexuality, leaving this issue to individual congregations. They state however that a majority of their member churches would hold that homosexuality is not a legitimate expression of God's will and would be opposed to ordaining practicing homosexuals or lesbians for any type of ministry in their church. [ [http://www.nationalbaptist.com/Index.cfm?FuseAction=Page&PageID=1000381&ArticleID=437 FAQ] on nationalbaptist.com]
* The Baptist Union of Great Britain holds a nuanced view. On the one side it holds that same sex couples "should not suffer discrimination because of their sexual orientation." On the other they hold that Christians who believe that same sex relationships are wrong should be able to behave as they believe to be right. [ Issues raised by the Equality Act (sexual orientation on [http://www.baptist.org.uk/resources/social_political_resources.asp?section=77 baptist.org.uk] ]
* The Alliance of Baptists, a smaller, liberal American Baptist denomination supports same-sex marriage and is open to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender believers. [ [http://www.allianceofbaptists.org/sssm-2004.htm Statement on Same Sex Marriage] April 17, 2004 on allianceofbaptists.org]
* There are a number of Baptist churches, particularly in the American Baptist Churches in the USA and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, that have more liberal views. The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, a group of some 50 churches and organizations, is committed to the "full inclusion" of gay and lesbian persons in their churches. This "full inclusion" may or may not include approbation of same-sex sexual conduct.Fact|date=September 2007

ee also

* Status of same-sex marriage

References