Same-Sex Issue

I am writing in response to the Baptist News Briefs report in the Sept. 28 issue of The Alabama Baptist regarding the Baptist same-sex couple exchanging vows in a ceremony at Wake Forest University Wait Chapel. The report stated that Wendy Scott and Susan Parker were united in a “marriage” ceremony conducted by six ministers, two of whom are pastors at Wake Forest Baptist Church. Richard Groves, who serves as senior pastor, and Lynn Rhodes, who serves as associate pastor, condoned and blessed this marriage by their participation.

The report also stated that Wake Forest Baptist Church has withdrawn from the state convention and the Southern Baptist Convention but is affiliated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

Same-sex relationships defy and deny any reasonable interpretation of Holy Scripture, not to mention the interpretation held by mainline evangelical conservatives. The Word of God clearly states that same-sex relationships and the conduct associated with same-sex relationships is sin. Our post-modern, post-Christian culture may say that such conduct is acceptable. Scripture, however, clearly states it is sin.

Is the same-sex Baptist wedding a sign of things to come? Are we in danger of departing so far from Scripture that there is nothing sacred and holy any more? How far can one depart from Scripture and still be Christian? The answer is clear: not very far!

Did the Baptist Faith and Message study committee see issues on the horizon of our denominational life that called for protective action? I think so and I salute their wisdom. Our new doctrinal statement calls upon us to stand true to Scripture in every facet of Christian life.

Cultural Christianity and biblical Christianity are not the same. Christianity that is not biblical is not Christian at all. In view of the great temptations of our ever changing world may we who name the name of Christ model our lives after Christ and Scripture rather than that which is acceptable to the world. God help us is my prayer.

Roger D. Willmore
Weaver, Ala.