This blog has reported on the comments from various southwest Baptists and those in Valley Forge. But, what does the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists think about the vote? Early news articles cited a "neutral" position by AWAB. However, a recent piece in the United Church News expresses a more definitive position.The Rev. Ken Pennings, executive director of the Wisconsin-based Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, said he felt a "sense of peace" about the Pacific Southwest decision because it allows the region and remaining denominational members "to move on in directions we feel are consistent with our own faith and testimony."
Rather than viewing it as an omen for other faith groups, he said it is an "inevitable" part of a process that can lead to more inclusion of gays and lesbians in church life.
"There'll be people who feel they must cut themselves off from people with whom they disagree rather than build bridges toward them," he said.
http://news.ucc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=556&Itemid=54
1 comment:
Much like what happens when a sick & dysfunctional congregation fights off or expels God's efforts to reform and re-orient it in Christ (usually via a godly pastor or passionate lovers of Jesus), the "peace" he refers to is the nearing stage of a lingering denominational death
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