Homosexuality and Baptist churches explained

The positions of the Baptist churches about homosexuality are varied. They range from liberal to fundamentalist or moderate Conservative and neutral.

Basic beliefs

There is a diversity of views of Baptist denominations on homosexuality.^{[1] [2]} Most denominations remain conservative, believing in what they describe as 'traditional' marriage between one man and one woman.^[3] Some denominations allow local and autonomous congregations to determine their own regional policies. Some Baptist denominations supports same-sex marriage.

Denominational positions

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

International denominations

Fundamentalist position

In some Independent Baptist churches, there are anti-LGBT activists. ^[4]

Conservative position

The vast majority of Baptist denominations around the world hold a conservative view on homosexuality,^[5] like those gathered in the Baptist World Alliance.^[6] They only support sexuality in marriage between a man and a woman, but show sympathy and respect towards LGBT people.^[7] Churches thus see themselves as “welcoming, but not affirming”.^{[8] [9]} This expression has its origin in the book Welcoming but Not Affirming: An Evangelical Response to Homosexuality published in 1998 by the American Baptist theologian Stanley Grenz.^[10]

Liberal position

The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists is made up of Baptist churches, organizations, and individuals who welcome and affirm people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender inclusion within Baptist faith communities.^[11]

National denominations

Neutral position

Some Baptist denominations do not have official beliefs about marriage in a confession of faith and invoke congregationalism to leave the choice to each church to decide.^{[12] [13]}

• The American Baptist Churches USA released a statement following the legalization of same-sex marriage by the Supreme Court of the United States saying that the denomination will "respect and will continue to respect congregational freedom on this issue."^[14] While the General Board had previously voted to define marriage as "between one man and one woman," the denomination did not adopt the policy statement. The ABCUSA "allows individual congregations to decide whether to ordain LGBT clergy or perform same-sex marriages" and does not have a denomination-wide policy.^[15]
• The Progressive National Baptist Convention (USA) does not have an official position and, like many Baptist denominations, allows individual congregations to determine their own view.^[16] As a result, some congregations have performed blessings and marriages for same-sex couples.
• The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (USA) does not have an official policy on homosexuality (or other social issues). It allows individual organizations and churches to support or fund gay rights advocacy if they so choose, but it is not required or prohibited.^[17] In 2018, the Affirming Network for full LGBTQ inclusion and affirmation was founded.^[18]
• The National Baptist Convention, USA passed a resolution in 2012 affirming that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, but mentioned that it leaves autonomy to each church to decide on the subject.^[19]
• The Baptist Union of Great Britain stated in a 2024 consultation that the Council upholds the liberty of the local church to appoint ministry according to their governing documents.^[20]

Liberal position

Some Baptist denominations supports same-sex marriage.

• The Alliance of Baptists (USA).^[21]
• The Aliança de Batistas do Brasil.^[22]
• The Fraternidad de Iglesias Bautistas de Cuba.^[23]

See also

• Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches

Notes and References

1. John C. Dwyer, Human Sexuality: A Christian View, Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 1987, p. 62
2. David Jeffers, Understanding Evangelicals, Xulon Press, USA, 2006, p. 54
3. William H. Brackney, Historical Dictionary of the Baptists, Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 519
4. Wayne R. Dynes, Encyclopedia of Homosexuality: Volume II, Routledge, Abingdon-on-Thames, 2016, p. 1062
5. William H. Brackney, Historical Dictionary of the Baptists, Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 519
6. Ted Olsen, Southern Baptists No Longer In, Nor Of, World Alliance, christianitytoday.com, USA, June 1, 2004
7. Stephen Hunt, Contemporary Christianity and LGBT Sexualities, Routledge, UK, 2016, p. 40-41
8. Bill J. Leonard, Baptists in America, Columbia University Press, USA, 2005, p. 241
9. Mark Jennings, ‘Welcoming, but not affirming’: being gay and Christian, theconversation.com, USA, August 30, 2016
10. Roger E. Olson, The Westminster Handbook to Evangelical Theology, Westminster John Knox Press, USA, 2004, p. 316
11. William H. Brackney, Historical Dictionary of the Baptists, Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 603
12. William H. Brackney, Historical Dictionary of the Baptists, Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 503
13. Bill J. Leonard, Baptists in America, Columbia University Press, USA, 2005, p. 243
14. News: Roach . David . 20 July 2015 . Gay marriage: Mainline denominations affirm SCOTUS . National News, World & Politics . Baptist Press (bpnews.net) . Southern Baptist Convention . Nashville, TN . November 26, 2015.
15. Bob Allen, Analysis: A timeline of CBF's LGBTQ debate, baptistnews.com, USA, July 7, 2016
16. News: Rift Over Gay Unions Reflects Battle New to Black Churches. Salmon. Jacqueline L.. 2007-08-19. The Washington Post. en-US. 0190-8286. 2016-03-04.
17. Web site: CBF to approve funding for pro-homosexual groups; gay church literature featured in CBF exhibit. Baptist Press. en-US. 2016-03-04.
18. Bojangles Blanchard, Breakfast at CBF Launches Network for LGBTQ Inclusion, goodfaithmedia.org, USA, June 21, 2018
19. http://resources.razorplanet.com/510611-8783/785169_SamesexMarriageVotingandChristianResponsibility.pdf "A Statement on the Same-sex Marriage Issue, Voting and Christian Responsibility"
20. EF, British Baptists not open to same-sex married pastors, evangelicalfocus.com, Spain, 22 March 2024
21. William H. Brackney, Historical Dictionary of the Baptists, Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2021, p. 14
22. Renato Cavallera, Aliança batista aprova o reconhecimento da união gay no Brasil e afirma que é uma “boa nova”, noticias.gospelmais.com.br, Brazil, May 25, 2011
23. Javier Roque Martínez, 'El cristianismo no jugará un papel relevante en la oposición al gobierno cubano', newsweekespanol.com, Mexico, February 17, 2022