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Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ+ Issues: Alliance of Baptists
Produced by the
HRC Foundation
The Alliance of Baptists is a movement of progressive Christians--individuals and congregations--seeking to respond to the continuing call of God in a rapidly changing world.
BACKGROUND
Founded in 1987, the Alliance of Baptists describes itself as a “faith community comprised of male and female laity and clergy, people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, theological beliefs, and ministry practices.” Organized by Southern Baptists who questioned that denomination’s commitment to biblical inerrancy and exclusively male ordination, the Alliance now features “communities” that center on specific societal concerns such as Justice for the Homeless, Equity for Women in the Church Community, Justice for the Homeless, and LGBTQ +rights.
With approximately 130 affiliated churches, the Alliance uses a “collaborative model of leadership,” supported by a Board of Directors and enacted at Annual Meetings. Individual congregations remain largely autonomous, and both congregations and individual members are encouraged to create their own communities around the issues that inspire them. Throughout, the Alliance seeks to combine, “progressive inquiry, contemplative prayer and prophetic action to bring about justice and healing in a changing world.”
LGBTQ+ EQUALITY
ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION & GENDER IDENTITY
In addition to including the full welcome of LGBTQ+ members in its formal policies, the Alliance publishes Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, a collection of writings that offer guidance to other churches intent on creating inclusive communities.
The Alliance lists gender identities in its celebration of member diversity. Its statement in support of marriage equality also states, “As Christians and as Baptists, we particularly lament the denigration of our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender sisters and brothers in this debate by those who claim to speak for God.”
ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY
The Alliance of Baptists in 2004 adopted a Statement on Same Sex Marriage that affirms our support for the rights of all citizens to full marriage equality.
ON NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Alliance is a vocal supporter of anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.
ON ORDINATION
The Alliance of Baptists has ordained LGBTQ+ ministers since its founding in 1987.
RESOURCES
Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists, a national organization advocating for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people within Baptist communities of faith.
CONTACT INFO
Alliance of Baptists
3939 LaVista Road, Suite E-122
Atlanta, GA 30084
Website: www.allianceofbaptists.org
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