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The Association of Welcoming |
Joining AWAB Membership in the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists is available to churches, organizations, groups and individuals who desire to enter into association with others who are working to foster greater inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons within Baptist bodies. By joining, churches and groups "go on record" as being welcoming and affirming. Individual membership is not disclosed unless a member wishes to server as a referral resource. On the church and group level, we network and build community, provide educational opportunities and materials, offer referrals and take denominational political action. On the individual level, we work to provide support, education and advocacy for LGBT people and their families within Baptist bodies and those excluded from faith communities because of sexual orientation or gender identity. AWAB membership is open to all Baptists and like minded Christians who wish to support our mission. Our origin is American Baptist and denominationally, we still are most active within the ABC. Membership Categories CONGREGATIONS - The membership of the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists is composed of Baptist congregations, primarily American Baptist and Alliance of Baptist churches who offer welcome and affirmation to lesbian, gay and bisexual and transgender persons and who wish to enter into association with like-minded congregations for the purpose of networking, education, advocacy, and support. LOCAL AND REGIONAL CHAPTERS - Welcoming & Affirming Baptists or American Baptists Concerned chapters are associated with AWAB but have their own structure and governance. These groups share the same inclusive principles and welcoming and affirming membership guidelines as the national organization. These groups can be associated through churches or as self contained local or regional groups. AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS - Affiliate memberships are available to Baptist structures, groups and agencies. For example, ABC/USA or Alliance of Baptists mission agencies, pastoral counseling centers, seminaries, camps and conference centers, church outreach programs and small groups within churches, etc. FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION - Membership in AWAB is also open to groups which are not directly affiliated with Baptist organizations. Friends of the Association include: non-Baptist churches; groups and agencies which are not structurally connected with Baptist bodies, such as student groups, pastoral counseling centers, etc. Membership Procedures for Churches & Organizations
Membership Procedures for Individuals |
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