Baptist Group to Toss Out Gay Friendly Church
Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 2:11 pm
Gay-friendly NC church invites investigation; ouster now likely
By Steve DeVane
Published February 8, 2007
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (ABP) -- A church in Charlotte has turned itself in to the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, admitting it is in violation of the convention’s stance against homosexuality.
The deacons at Myers Park Baptist Church sent an open letter to state convention officers Feb. 6 saying the church welcomes gay and lesbian persons to participate fully in church life and serve as church leaders. Messengers to the state convention meeting in November changed their governing documents to say churches that support homosexuality are no longer in "friendly cooperation" with the convention -- in effect excluding them.
"The purpose of this letter is to inform you there is no need to wait upon the secret reports of others," the deacons's letter said, noting convention procedures call for two complaints about a church before an investigation is started. "We, with our 1,850 members serving as witnesses, hereby turn ourselves in."
Convention officials declined to comment.
See here.
By Steve DeVane
Published February 8, 2007
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (ABP) -- A church in Charlotte has turned itself in to the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, admitting it is in violation of the convention’s stance against homosexuality.
The deacons at Myers Park Baptist Church sent an open letter to state convention officers Feb. 6 saying the church welcomes gay and lesbian persons to participate fully in church life and serve as church leaders. Messengers to the state convention meeting in November changed their governing documents to say churches that support homosexuality are no longer in "friendly cooperation" with the convention -- in effect excluding them.
"The purpose of this letter is to inform you there is no need to wait upon the secret reports of others," the deacons's letter said, noting convention procedures call for two complaints about a church before an investigation is started. "We, with our 1,850 members serving as witnesses, hereby turn ourselves in."
Convention officials declined to comment.
See here.