Avalon Baptist Church ousted for supporting marriage equality
The NSW/ACT Baptist Association voted Avalon Baptist Peace Church and Seaforth Baptist Church out of the Association over their view on marriage equality on 8 November. Both churches accept marriage equality, while the Baptist Association rejects it.
At the gathering, which incorporated the ordinary assembly held in Ryde, representatives of the NSW/ACT Baptist Churches voted 207 in favour and 50 against the motion to disaffiliate.
Sally Longley, pastor of Avalon Baptist which has been a member of the Association for 50 years, acknowledged the decision with ‘deep sadness.’
“We respect the position of the Association regarding marriage equality, even though we think it is un-Biblical and unwelcoming,” said Dr Longley.
“In this time of polarisation, where people feel justified in spitting out those they disagree with, we would have hoped that the Association had the Biblical depth and maturity to show a different way: that of maintaining fellowship and conversation with those with whom they differ.”
Gay couple Kiril and Jeremy began attending Seaforth Baptist six months ago so their son could attend Sunday School. Jeremy was surprised that the Association disaffiliated the church.
“I really like Seaforth Baptist,” Jeremy told PL. “My understanding of Baptist churches is that they are autonomous, so the fact that there’s an external body that says that they are responsible for or dictate how people should think is quite un-Baptist in my view.”
Kiril told PL that both Seaforth Baptist and Balgowlah Uniting Church had been ‘very supportive and welcoming.’
“I feel very loved, not judged,” Kiril said. “It is liberating to be at church without having to pretend I am someone I am not, or feel I have to change to fit into a system which does not accept me.
“I feel sad that Seaforth Baptist has been disaffiliated, and I do feel for those in other churches who still have to hide themselves or feel they need to change.”
Jeremy said the decision did not reflect the view of the majority of Christians. “I have friends from the LGBTQI community who have come to embrace same-sex relationships as a blessing from God, some who believe that it’s against God’s will to have a same-sex partner, and others who are still exploring and discerning.”
The Association also disaffiliated two other churches recently. Avalon Baptist will transfer membership to Open Baptists, another peak group.
