NC Baptist propose strong anti-gay policy
06:39 PM EDT on Thursday, May 25, 2006
By MARIA KOTULA / 6NEWS
E-mail Maria:
MKotula@WCNC.com
Some churches have gay members others have gay reverends and others are banning homosexuals all together. The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina came up with a strong anti-gay policy at their board of directors meeting this week.
Homosexuality is a divisive issue in many religions, but soon for many Baptist churches in North Carolina there will be no gray area.
“I'm not shocked at all. The Baptist State Convention has been going in this direction for years,” said Reverend Mick Hinson with the Metropolitan Community Church.
The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina gave their stamp of approval on a strict anti-gay policy. Simply put--- Baptist churches that welcome gays may no longer be eligible for membership in the convention.
“I think some churches will lose members over it and other churches will gain members because of it,” Hinson said.
Hinson is part of a coalition of religious leaders who support gay rights in the church. Under the policy Baptist churches would not be able to accept gay members. Church leaders would not be able to make any public statements supporting gay organizations and it would make gay clergy forbidden.
Hinson has a personal reaction to all this, he is a gay reverend.
“From my perspective and from our denominations perspective we do find it very judgmental, we find it very discriminating and hateful because we do not believe the bible condemns homosexual people,” Hinson said.
6NEWS talked to the president of the convention's board of directors. Don Warren confirmed what he told a Raleigh newspaper--- that quote—“we believe homosexuality is a sin, as are many other, but we are not aware of any other sin that has a national organization that promotes its happening beginning in kindergarten or first grade."
“I've just finished reading all four gospels cover to cover and I've yet to uncover where Jesus says homosexuality is a sin,” Hinson said.
The convention is putting a half a dozen churches on notice that their membership may be revoked. Many of those churches are affiliated with the more liberal "Alliance of Baptists," which welcomes gay members.
The new policy is expected to be ratified at the convention’s annual meeting in November.
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