Evansville, Ind. — An American Baptist church in Evansville, Ind., drew local media attention with reports it has reversed its previous policy of acceptance and inclusion of members who are openly gay.
NBC television affiliate WFIE reported Aug. 21 that a paper was distributed announcing that American East Baptist Church would no longer condone homosexuality.
The new policy reportedly says current gay members can be grandfathered in and any future new gay members will be decided case-by-case.
Church leaders are not commenting publicly, but media reports indicate the issue brought discord within the congregation including the resignation of at least one staff member. The church, currently without a permanent senior pastor, reportedly changed the policy when leaders reviewed its mission statement and decided the “homosexual lifestyle” did not fit.
Formed in 2001 by a merger of East Side Baptist Church, founded in 1921, and Eastern Heights Baptist Church, founded in 1959, American Baptist East is affiliated with American Baptist Churches of Indiana/Kentucky and the American Baptist Churches USA. (TAB)
Share with others: