The positions of the
Baptist churches about homosexuality are varied. They range from
liberal
Liberal or liberalism may refer to:
Politics
* a supporter of liberalism
** Liberalism by country
* an adherent of a Liberal Party
* Liberalism (international relations)
* Sexually liberal feminism
* Social liberalism
Arts, entertainment and m ...
to
fundamentalist
Fundamentalism is a tendency among certain groups and individuals that is characterized by the application of a strict literal interpretation to scriptures, dogmas, or ideologies, along with a strong belief in the importance of distinguishing ...
or
moderate
Moderate is an ideological category which designates a rejection of radical or extreme views, especially in regard to politics and religion. A moderate is considered someone occupying any mainstream position avoiding extreme views. In American ...
Conservative
Conservatism is a cultural, social, and political philosophy that seeks to promote and to preserve traditional institutions, practices, and values. The central tenets of conservatism may vary in relation to the culture and civilization i ...
and
neutral
Neutral or neutrality may refer to:
Mathematics and natural science Biology
* Neutral organisms, in ecology, those that obey the unified neutral theory of biodiversity
Chemistry and physics
* Neutralization (chemistry), a chemical reaction in ...
.
Basic beliefs
There is a diversity of views of
Baptist denominations
Baptists form a major branch of Protestantism distinguished by baptizing professing Christian believers only (believer's baptism), and doing so by complete immersion. Baptist churches also generally subscribe to the doctrines of soul compete ...
on
homosexuality
Homosexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality is "an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions" to peop ...
. Most denominations remain conservative, believing in what they describe as 'traditional' marriage between one man and one woman.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 denomination
Conservative position
The vast majority of Baptist denominations around the world hold a conservative view on homosexuality, like those gathered in the
Baptist World Alliance
The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) is the largest international Baptist organization with an estimated 51 million people in 2022 with 246 member bodies in 128 countries and territories. A voluntary association of Baptist churches, the BWA account ...
.
Liberal position
The
Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB) is a Baptist Christian denomination. The headquarters is in Louisville, Kentucky, United States.
History
The Association was founded by a dozen churches of the American Baptist Churches US ...
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.
American denomination
Neutral position
Some Baptist denominations in the United States do not have official beliefs about marriage in a
confession of faith
A creed, also known as a confession of faith, a symbol, or a statement of faith, is a statement of the shared beliefs of a community (often a religious community) in a form which is structured by subjects which summarize its core tenets.
The ea ...
and invoke
congregationalism
Congregationalist polity, or congregational polity, often known as congregationalism, is a system of ecclesiastical polity in which every local church (congregation) is independent, ecclesiastically sovereign, or "autonomous". Its first articulat ...
to leave the choice to each church to decide.
* The
American Baptist Churches USA
The American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) is a mainline/evangelical Baptist Christian denomination within the United States. The denomination maintains headquarters in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The organization is usually considered mainli ...
, 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."
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.
* The
Progressive National Baptist Convention
The Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC), incorporated as the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc., is a mainline predominantly African-American Baptist denomination emphasizing civil rights and social justice. The headquarte ...
(USA), does not have an official position and, like many Baptist denominations, allows individual congregations to determine their own view. As a result, some congregations have performed blessings and marriages for same-sex couples.
* The
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) is a Baptist Christian denomination in the United States. It is affiliated with the Baptist World Alliance. The headquarters is in Decatur, Georgia.
History
The Cooperative Baptist Association has its or ...
(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. In 2018, the Affirming Network for full LGBTQ inclusion and affirmation was founded.
* The
National Baptist Convention, USA
The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., more commonly known as the National Baptist Convention (NBC USA or NBC), is a primarily African American Baptist Christian denomination in the United States. It is headquartered at the Baptist World Cen ...
, 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.
["A Statement on the Same-sex Marriage Issue, Voting and Christian Responsibility"](_blank)
, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. June 21, 2012
Liberal position
Some Baptist denominations supports same-sex marriage.
* The
Alliance of Baptists
The Alliance of Baptists is a Baptist Christian denomination in the United States and Canada. The headquarters is in Raleigh, North Carolina.
History
The Alliance of Baptists was formed in 1987 as the Southern Baptist Alliance by liberal individ ...
(USA).
* The
Aliança de Batistas do Brasil
Aliança (''Alliance'') is a city located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, 82 kilometres from Recife, capital of the state of Pernambuco. Aliança has an estimated population of 38,397 inhabitants ( IBGE 2020).
Geography
* State - Pernambuc ...
.
* The
Fraternidad de Iglesias Bautistas de Cuba Fraternidad may refer to:
* Fraternidad, Ocotepeque - a municipality in the Honduran department of Ocotepeque.
* Fraternidad Tigres - a football club from La Paz
* Copa Fraternidad - name from 1971 to 1983 of a defunct annual football competition ...
.
[ Javier Roque Martínez]
‘El cristianismo no jugará un papel relevante en la oposición al gobierno cubano’
newsweekespanol.com, Mexico, February 17, 2022
See also
*
Status of same-sex marriage
The legal status of same-sex marriage has changed in recent years in numerous jurisdictions around the world. The current trends and consensus of political authorities and religions throughout the world are summarized in this article.
Civi ...
References
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