Atlanta Baptist Association voted Jan. 30 not to expel two gay-friendly churches.
The decision is thought to be the first action by an ecclesiastical body recognized by the Southern Baptist Convention tolerating homosexuality.
The action prompted immediate talk of defections by conservative churches or even a formal split in the 153-church association.
According to news reports, Atlanta Baptists voted 253-164 by secret ballot to retain fellowship with Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur, Ga., and Virginia-Highland Baptist Church in Atlanta, two churches ousted from the Georgia Baptist Convention in 1999 for their acceptance of gays.
Both churches welcome people who are openly gay and lesbian into their church membership and include them in leadership positions.
The vote, which followed almost a year of dialogue, says the association doesn’t “support or condone homosexual activity” but “affirms the longstanding Baptist polity of local church autonomy,” according to a news release. (ABP)
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