Southern Baptists Votes to Expel LGBTQ-Affirming Church

The Southern Baptist Convention's top managerial body voted on Tuesday to cut ties with two congregations -- an LGBTQ-friendly church in North Carolina, which left the denomination decades ago, and one in New Jersey cited for unspecified alleged discrimination.

After the two-day conference in Nashville, the executive committee voted, despite being under investigation by the Department of Justice, the Associated Press reports.

The federal government is believed to have begun investigating the Southern Baptist Convention after a consultancy uncovered sexual abuse within the organization, followed by mistreatment of survivors by church officials. Though the DOJ didn't confirm reports about the subject of its investigation, the organization has suggested it was, according to the news wire.

Tuesday's voting committee proclaimed that the College Park Baptist Church in Greensboro failed to be in compliance because of its "open affirmation, approval and endorsement of homosexual behavior."

The College Park congregation had voted to leave the Southern Baptist Convention in 1999, the AP reports, and its website declares it's not a part of the organization but is a member of more progressive Baptist associations.

The church website reflects a mission of inclusivity and affirmation, stating, "Our church family in Greensboro welcomes and affirms all persons without distinction regarding race, ethnicity, national origin, class, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other category created by humans. We are an inclusive, fun faith community where persons from all walks of life feel comfortable worshiping and working together to bring Christ's love to the world - doing the best we can and trying not to embarrass Jesus too much."

Trending stories

Elon Musk deadnames his 'killed' child — his trans daughter claps back

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

Exclusive: Mike Maimone honors late husband Howard Bragman in new single “On My Way”

SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all

Gerald Garth is determined to keep people of color happy and healthy through trying times

BREAKING NEWS: Trump admin moves to end federal HIV prevention programs

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

'White Lotus' S3 E6 recap: We need to talk about the incest storyline

Pride journey Walla Walla: An LGBTQ+ wine, food, and adventure getaway

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

Kelly Marie Tran says all of her roles are queer — including her latest in 'Control Freak'

10 lesbian sports movies that are total game-changers

Lana Ja'Rae was the ingenue of 'Drag Race' S17. Why are you mad, sis?

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

Lexi Love goes public with HIV status after Trump wipes resources from federal website

Vivian Wilson calls father Elon Musk a 'pathetic manchild' in new tell-all interview

11 hypocritical MAGA politicians and supporters accused of sexual harassment and assault

Suzie Toot says the 'RuPaul's Drag Race' cast 'got hate crimed' in Las Vegas

Yellowjackets' Liv Hewson: Breaking Hollywood's binary is 'doable'

Where to stay in LGBTQ+ Ireland: Castles, domes and luxury retreats

From rock legends to Pride flags: Discover the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Asbury Park

How RuPaul dragified Las Vegas with a triumphant comeback

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

• 0
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

College Park adds, "We are not affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. We are affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA, Alliance of Baptists, and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship."

Baptist congregations aren't centralized, with each being self-governed. That means the Southern Baptist Convention can't force churches to submit to their policies. However, as the AP notes, they can classify them as not being in "friendly cooperation." This often happens if the church is pro-LGBTQ+ or other offenses such as accusations of racism or accusations that the church has failed to respond to sexual abuse.