In a 74–5 vote, Madison Baptist Association’s (MBA) executive board elected to withdraw fellowship from Weatherly Heights Baptist Church, Huntsville, on March 16 for its position on same-sex “marriage.”
The executive board consists of two representatives — the pastor and one church-elected layperson — from each of MBA’s 86 churches. While 79 secret-ballot votes were cast, 93 members opted out of voting by not attending the meeting. But MBA Director of Missions Charlie Howell said the attendance was consistent with associational functions in recent years.
Weatherly Heights Baptist Pastor David Freeman has repeatedly expressed his support of “adult, loving, monogamous same-sex relationships,” a viewpoint that has “caused a lot of tension” in the church.
Executive board vote
While not all church members share Freeman’s belief, Ellin Jimmerson — the church’s unpaid minister to the community — expressed her agreement when she officiated Huntsville’s first same-sex wedding Feb. 9. This action brought the church’s views on the issue to MBA leadership’s attention.
After two separate meetings with Freeman and representatives of the congregation, MBA’s associational officers recommended a withdrawal of fellowship from Weatherly Heights, which led to the March 16 vote by the executive board.
“It is truly a sad evening for Southern Baptists and [MBA],” Howell said in a written statement following the vote. “But our executive board … has deemed it necessary that we remain true to the biblical definition of marriage in belief and practice. The culture in which we live may change, but we must stand firm upon the Word of God which remains constant.
“We truly strive to love all people regardless of what sin might entangle them, knowing that Jesus died on the cross for all of our sins. If anyone repents of their sin and embraces Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, then they receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Christ. This is the best news we can share with you tonight.” (TAB)
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