Key Facts:
- NSW/ACT Baptist Association has removed affiliation of Avalon Baptist Peace Church and Seaforth Baptist Church.
- The churches were disaffiliated on 8 November, following similar actions against Canberra and Hamilton Baptist churches in the past year
- Avalon Baptist Church supports marriage equality, whilst maintaining their commitment to Christian faith and Biblical teachings
- 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
The first Baptist churches in the Sydney region have today, 8 November, had their affiliation removed by the NSW/ACT Baptist Association.
Avalon Baptist Peace Church (ABPC) along with Seaforth Baptist - both on the Northern Beaches - have today 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.
"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."
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