COLUMBUS, Ohio — An American Baptist church in Ohio has been excommunicated from its association and state region after going on record as welcoming and affirming gays.
Tommy Faris, pastor of University Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio, said the church has received a letter from the Columbus Baptist Association informing them they have been removed from fellowship.
Faris said University Baptist intends to remain a member of American Baptist Churches, USA (ABCUSA). The ABCUSA affiliation can continue on an ad hoc basis for up to 18 months, and in the meantime the church will seek to relate to the national body through the American Baptist Churches of Rochester/Genessee Region in New York, one of several American Baptist regions open to congregations forced out of other ABCUSA affiliates over theological differences.
In 1992 the ABCUSA General Board passed a resolution affirming “that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” (TAB)
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