Avalon Baptist Peace Church kicked out of NSW Baptist Association over Marriage Equality
Avalon Baptist Peace Church (ABPC) along with Seaforth Baptist - both on the Manly to Barrenjoey Peninsula - confirmed that the NSW/ACT Baptist Association has voted them out of the Association. (Canberra and Hamilton Baptist churches were disaffiliated within the last year).
Avalon Baptist accepts marriage equality, whilst the Baptist Association rejects marriage equality.
The church will transfer membership to Open Baptists, a newly formed group that maintains an inclusive position on marriage equality.
Pastor Dr Sally Longley expressed sadness at the Association's decision, citing a desire for continued fellowship despite differing views.
“We acknowledge the NSW/ACT Baptist Association decision with deep sadness,” said Dr Sally Longley, Pastor.
“We respect the position of the Association regarding marriage equality, even though we think it is un-Biblical and unwelcoming and fail to understand the Association’s refusal to have a mutual respect that enables continued fellowship with us. Avalon Baptist embraces people with different views, including different views on marriage and marriage equality.”
“In this time of polarisation, furious religion, and social disgust where people feel justified in spitting out those they disagree with, we would have hoped that the Baptist Association had the Biblical depth and maturity to show a different way: that of maintaining fellowship and conversation with those with whom they differ.”
“Avalon Baptist celebrates and rejoices in God’s great diversity, and desires to provide a genuinely safe space and full involvement for all, including people who are LGBTQI. We do not have hidden blocks to participating fully in all our activities.”
“We remain committed to our faith in Jesus Christ and following the teachings of the Bible, serving our congregation and the wider community with inclusive love.”
“We will continue to pray for the Association, as Avalon Baptist transfers membership to the newly formed Open Baptists, which has an inclusive position on marriage equality and welcomes differing views for conversation,” Dr Longley said.
Mr Brad Dalton, Secretary and Deacon of Avalon Baptist, added “There are many faithful followers of Jesus who are LGBTQI, and many have members of their family or extended family who are LGBTQI. Avalon Baptist follows the way of Christ in being open and genuinely welcoming and inclusive to all people.”
Pastor Dr Sally Longley further added, “Marriage equality is consistent with the Bible e.g. Galatians 3:28, and we encourage other Pastors and congregations to engage in genuine conversations on this topic, before coming to a neat traditional conclusion.”
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
“We are further saddened that the Association is breaking fellowship with our congregation, and again not following the Bible in encouraging conversation with those of differing views within the faith. We sincerely wanted to stay in the Association, where we have been members for over 50 years.”
“There is also an important Baptist view that each congregation should have autonomy when it comes to how we live out our lives as disciples of Jesus, and following the Bible. This is what our congregation has done, and have fully discussed these issues.
We think Jesus and the Bible are inclusive, and also that differing views are welcomed as a basis of conversation as long as they are respectful (e.g. 1 Peter 3:15)”.said Pastor Dr Sally Longley
Open Baptists states they are:
'A new movement of Baptist churches in Australia and New Zealand, open to the diversity of people that God gathers into our churches and open to the diversity of ways that God calls us to respond in our local contexts. This openness arises from our Baptist heritage with its deep commitment to the authority of Jesus Christ as head of the Church, the priesthood of all believers, freedom of conscience, and the autonomy of the local church. We have many differences within and among our churches, but we partner together in mutual support and mission to make known the good news of God’s unfailing love for everyone.
Many of our churches continue to support their state associations. Others face disaffiliation from their state association because they cannot support, for many reasons, the traditional position on marriage now imposed on these churches. We are now moving beyond these debates and are seeking to encourage and support churches, pastors, and people in fresh ways.
We want to support and bring people together to serve and resource our churches in ways that are genuinely Baptist, liberating, collaborative, and hope-filled. We are guided by our historic Baptist principles, including the authority and inspiration of the living Christ, the importance of associating with others, the autonomy of each local church to make decisions without coercion, freedom of conscience for individual members and churches, and discernment and decision-making in local gatherings where every voice is valued.'
Romans 14: 10-13 and 16-19
You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written:
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.”
Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. ...
So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
All are Welcome. All Belong.
