Note #8795 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:
 

05365 July 8, 2005

'A crossroads in our life together'

Leader of evangelical Baptist group warns against split over homosexuality

by Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service

WASHINGTON - The general secretary of the American Baptist Churches USA (ABC) urged members during their recent biennial meeting to not let division over homosexuality endanger the denomination's future.

"The issue of homosexuality has brought us as a denomination to a crossroad in our life together," the Rev. A. Roy Medley said in a July 1 sermon on the opening day of the three-day meeting. "One road will lead to separation. The other path will lead us to shared ministry and mission in all the theological and ethnic richness that has come to make us the unique denomination we are."

Medley reiterated his past personal declaration that he is "conservative in matters related to human sexuality," but does not want to be separated from those who disagree with him.

The denomination, known for being both evangelical and ecumenical, has struggled with the issue of homosexuality. Regional leaders issued a pastoral letter last December warning that the debate "threatens to break us apart."

In 2003, the denomination's general board approved the creation of the Evergreen Baptist Association, which includes congregations in the Northwest that welcome gays and lesbians. The association disagrees with larger and more theologically conservative ABC congregations.

During the biennial meeting in Denver, delegates approved a "statement of concern" on "Reaffirming the Association Principle," addressing changes that have caused division within the denomination.

"Some regional associations have shifted their focus from shared ministry to shared theology," the statement reads. "As a result, our energies are focused on the internal dynamics of our life together, rather than our larger call to ministry in the world."

Richard Schramm, a spokesman for the denomination, said some viewed the document as a reference to the Evergreen association, but it was meant as a "very general statement."