If you're not familiar with the ABC system, you should know that it maintains a rather loose connection between churches. Individual congregations have a high degree of autonomy.
There are regional pastors who can provide guidance and resources, but unlike District Superintendents and Bishops in the United Methodist Church, these individuals have no authority over local issues.
After hearing many stories of authority being abused in the UMC, I find it refreshing to have district and regional leadership which is designed merely to serve the local churches.
All of this autonomy makes it very puzzling to me when an ABC congregation decides to disaffiliate with the larger denomination.
Recently a nearby church began making noise about leaving the ABC over the denomination not taking a firm enough stand on LGBT issues. They have now formally parted ways with the ABC and their pastor sent out a letter explaining the reasoning.
As a former UM, I understand the dangerous divisions this particular issue fosters, but I have not yet personally encountered a fellow ABC pastor who affirms homosexuality nor have I seen even the slightest hint of an unorthodox stance at any ABC event or in any ABC publications.
According to this pastor, though, there are American Baptist churches which "have hired unrepentant gay, lesbian, or trans people to be their pastors" and the denomination as a whole has not squashed a "Welcoming and Affirming" movement active in certain congregations and regions.
Even so, I'm not sure what sort of purity test this pastor would like to see in place. Or if homosexuality would be the only subject on the test.
And are there other issues besides this one that should be screened out? Personally, I am still waiting for the day when the American church comes down hard on the sin of materialism.
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