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We're
Inclusive Already, Why Join AWAB?
Those of us involved with the
Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists for some time have often heard
statements like the following, “Our church is already welcoming, why do we
need to join AWAB?” Many of us know such churches. But being part of AWAB is
a public witness that says your church is not only a place where lesbian
women and gay men are welcome, but a safe place where they are affirmed as
well.
Often lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have had bad church experiences where they have been asked
to chose between their orientation or church membership, have been asked to
remain closeted, to hide their significant relationship or to attend some type of
therapy. The alienation that many LGBT folks experience can also extend to
their family members. Being an AWAB congregation tells sexual minority
Baptists and their families that the church is a safe, accepting and loving
place to be. It is a way for people to find your church when they are
seeking a church home, have moved to your area or are visiting.
When I’m traveling and want to attend a worship service, I look first on the
AWAB membership list, and if there is no W&A church in the area, I look for
another inclusive church in a different denomination. I prefer going outside
my Baptists family rather than dealing with the uncertainty of how I will be
welcomed or having to introduce my partner as someone other than who he is.
I know I’m not alone in this feeling, having received many letters, calls
and emails over the years from people looking for a church home.
Unfortunately there are political issues within the American Baptist
Churches, USA and churches associated with the Southern Baptist Convention
that make membership in AWAB or official affirmation of LGBT Baptists
complex. The historical Baptist principle of local church autonomy has been
violated at many levels by conservative minded folks who believe that
Baptists should adhere to a single scriptural interpretation on many matters
- theirs. A number of AWAB churches have been dismissed or disfellowshipped
because they are Welcoming & Affirming. The churches that
have had action taken against them because of their inclusive stance have
all prospered and found homes with others Baptist regional and
denominational bodies committed to freedom. Most churches have not faced these issues when they chose to
join AWAB. But it is important to understand why some churches are cautious
in the process.
You can be an individual member and supporter of AWAB even if your church is
not Welcoming & Affirming. It is also possible for groups within your
congregation to join AWAB if the church is not a member. Please contact us
for more information on membership in the Association of Welcoming &
Affirming Baptists, information on how to become an inclusive church and
information on study materials. mail@wabaptists.org
Chris Boisvert,
Online Editor |
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