Does It All Hinge on a Hoosier Inititive?

As eyes turn to the General Board meeting (Nov. 17-20) which will take up the now famous (infamous, depending on where you stand) Indiana-Kentucky Petition, here’s helpful background material from the IN-KY ABC website.

The IN-KY Board meets this Saturday.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSFROM LISTENING AND INFORMATION MEETINGS

July 19-August 2, 2005

Can you give a synopsis of the petition (approved by the ABC/IN-KY Board and receive by the General Board of ABCUSA)?

The petition, which can be found on the region’s website at www.abc-indiana.org, was received by the ABCUSA’s General Board in June, 2005. The petition is requesting three changes to the ABCUSA Standing Rules and bylaws.It reads:"To amend the document entitled "We are American Baptists" by adding the following statement to the section: "We are a Biblical people." The addition would read, "We submit to the teaching of Scripture that God’s intended design for sexual intimacy places it within the context of marriage between one man and one woman, and acknowledge that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.""To amend the standing rules so that regions would be allowed to receive as ABC/USA cooperating churches only those churches within their geographical boundaries or with approval of contiguous regions, receive churches located within those contiguous regions.""To amend the standing rules so that a church dismissed by a region could only gain re-entry in the ABC/USA through the region from which it was dismissed."The petition will be received for a second reading at the ABCUSA General Board meeting November 17-20, 2005, and a vote will be taken at that time.

Have we received a copy of the petition?

A copy of the petition was sent to all of the region’s Professional Church Leaders on November 17, 2004. A copy of that letter can be found on the region’s website at www.abc-indiana.org.

If the vote by the General Board (in November, 2005) is positive, is it then a smooth road toward the bylaw changes?

No, but it is a required first step. Each change requested in the petition must move through a different process due to the structure of ABCUSA.Change one (amending "We Are American Baptists") requires only a majority vote of the General Board, but to incorporate the amendment into the Common Criteria (the document of requirements for a cooperating congregations within the ABCUSA) requires the proposed change to go before the board of each region and must be approved by three-quarters of these boards. If accomplished, the General Board acts on a "confirming resolution to incorporate the revised Common Criteria into the Standing Rules." The initial vote of the General Board will be taken in November of this year. Regions would probably be required to vote on the change before the June, 2006, meeting of the General Board. Then, the change could be voted on and become official at the June, 2006, meeting.Change two (regarding the decision by a Region to receive a cooperating church), if approved by the General Board in November, 2005, would still require a change be made to Article V of the ABC/USA bylaws, as well as changes in the denomination’s Covenant of Relationships. The earliest this could be fully approved is at the June, 2007, Biennial meeting of ABCUSA in Washington D.C.Change three could also move in several directions, but an acceptance by the General Board in November, 2005, would require a change be made to Article V. Section 2 of the ABC/USA Bylaws as well as a change to the denomination’s Covenant of Relationships. This could not be completed until delegates of the ABC/USA meet again for business, which is not until the 2007 Biennial in Washington D.C.David Knipel, legal council for ABCUSA assures us that the requested changes outlined by the petition are all possible and could be accomplished within the timeframe stated above.

Are you focusing on marriage? What is the ABC stance on same sex marriage?

As you read the petition you can see that our first statement is a statement on marriage stating, "We submit to the teaching of Scripture that God’s intended design for sexual intimacy places it within the context of marriage between one man and one woman, …" The first point of this petition speaks to sexual intimacy, marriage and the practice of homosexuality.

Where does Roy Medley stand on this issue?

Dr. Medley’s Biennial address is on ABCUSA’s website and he speaks directly to this issue. It would be best if you would go to that site and read the address first hand.

Can you offer insight as to why the General Board and the General Secretary are reluctant to support the majority of churches?

I am not sure that the General Secretary believes that a majority of churches support the stand taken by IN-KY. He has said that there are 20% of American Baptists who would agree with the petition and 20% who would strongly disagree; the other 60% are somewhere in the middle. There are many who are members of the General Board who support the petition, and we shall see in November, as the vote on the petition is taken, what percentage of the board does support the petition.American Baptist Churches USA have often lifted up the fact that we are the most diverse of all mainline denominations. As of this date there is no racial or ethnic group who holds a majority of membership. It seems that the denomination’s pride in diversity, originally referring to racial and ethnic diversity, now includes sexual orientation. To maintain unity in our diversity, ABCUSA is reluctant to take a strong stand on this issue.

Do we believe this (the homosexual issue) is God’s number one item?

This issue is not God’s number one item. We are clearly led through Scripture that our number one item is that of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). This issue, however, is currently dominating much of ABC life. The result is that we are unable to work together toward common visions, goals, and ministry. Even so God has been good and there is much good that continues as local congregations, regions and ABCUSA continue to minister and serve in ways that bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to many. Over the last nine years three different consultants to our national denomination have told us that if we are to reach our God given potential this issue of homosexuality must be confronted directly and an understanding of what we believe as American Baptists must be addressed.

What is the next issue on the list? What about other sins?

American Baptist history tells us that about every 40 years an issue comes forward and creates conflict for the denomination, and often ends with a number of individuals and churches leaving the denomination. It would seem this is the issue of today because it is the issue that society has pushed forward. Are there other sins? Yes, certainly, and those sins should be addressed.A second reason the issue of homosexuality is being brought forward at this time is that it is the issue that is dividing our denomination and distracting us from the primary purpose of the Great Commission.

Are there risks of an SBC fundamentalist like movement within the ABC?

Of course there is a risk, but that is not what is being addressed through IN-KY’s petition to the General Board.

Can you help us understand how local church autonomy fits into this issue?

"A Baptist Manual of Polity and Practice," a book by Norman Maring and Winthrop Hudson that has been used as on of the definitive books to describe who Baptist are and what they believe says this about local church autonomy:"For some people, the most prized doctrine of Baptists is ‘the autonomy of the local church.’ The notion of absolute independence of a local church, however, was foreign to the thinking of early Baptists. They adopted the congregational principle because they believed it would afford the possibility of fuller obedience to God, who is the only Lord of conscience. Especially in local affairs, such as the admission and exclusion of members and the choosing of a pastor, they needed to be free to seek and follow the will of the Lord. This right to ‘church power’ represented a degree of independence, but it was balanced by a strong sense of interdependence among congregations. Baptists recognized an obligation to maintain a wider fellowship within which they would give assistance, accept counsel, and work toward common ends. Today there is a widespread misconception of the ‘independent local church’ strand of Baptist ideology. In its original form it is essential to the Baptist genius, but the present-day idea of ‘absolute independence’ creates misunderstanding and fosters anarchy. It ignores the important values which are grounded in the associational principle," (pp. 8-9)

What is the meaning of the various ABC covenants? What are the ramifications if the covenants are broken?

The American Baptist Church USA consists of Boards (International Ministries, National Ministries, Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board and Office of the General Secretary) and over thirty regions. All of these are legally independent of one another, and because of that, autonomous in their structure. In seeking a common understanding of how these separate organizations would work and minister together, covenants of relationship were developed and accepted by each of the parties.In recent months the American Baptist Churches of the Pacific Southwest indicated that they were considering withdrawing from one of the covenants but remaining part of the national denomination. They received a letter from Dr. Roy Medley, ABCUSA’s General Secretary (which was copied to all region executives) which stated that if a covenanting partner broke or withdrew from one of these covenants of relationship, they withdrew from them all. Meaning that once a region or board enters into a covenant of relationship with the national body all covenants must be maintained or it would be assumed that all covenantal agreements were broken. Therefore, if Indiana and Kentucky chose to withdraw from any of the covenants in which they are now entered with other regions and boards, it would be considered that we withdrew from all. In effect this would mean that we were no longer American Baptists.

What does the term "Welcoming and Affirming" really mean?

Members of the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB) are churches, organizations, and individuals who are willing to go on record as welcoming and affirming all persons without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity, and who have joined together to advocate for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons within Baptist communities of faith. At last count there are about 51 ABC congregations who have membership, many of which are dually aligned with other denominations. You can learn more about Welcoming and Affirming congregations at http://www.wabaptists.org/. The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists is NOT an official organization recognized by the ABCUSA.

What if the homosexual doesn’t have a choice?

Our assumption has been that people choose this lifestyle, but we don’t really know.There does seem to be research that indicates this it is possible that some individuals are born with a tendency toward a homosexual lifestyle. There are other researchers who will state the opposite. As of this date I do not know of any study that scientifically proves that either is true. Our region’s policy on homosexuality states that "practicing homosexuality" is sinful, just as "practicing alcoholics" find themselves in a sinful lifestyle. There is strong research that states that alcoholism (and even such behaviors as extreme anger) can be traced to a physical understanding. We also know that alcoholics will never cease to be alcoholics, but they can abstain from alcohol.

When you talk about homosexuals and church leadership what kind of leadership are you talking about? Pastoral leadership?

The Resolution on Homosexuality passed by delegates at an annual meeting at Lawrenceburg in 1980 continues to be what guides us at the region level. This resolution states that the region will not ordain or recognize the ordination of practicing homosexuals. Local congregations are autonomous and must make these decisions for themselves. However, it should be noted that when a local congregation did choose to ordain a man who was a practicing homosexual, the association in which that church resided disfellowshipped the church from its membership and the region board removed the church from its rolls as well.

Is there language in the petition or in other documents relating to mission money and homosexual groups?

There is no language in the petition that speaks to mission money at all. As long as we are members of American Baptist Churches USA we are committed to the Common Budget Covenant, which is a document that explains the percentages of United Mission Giving that is sent to various mission agencies and auxiliary organizations within the denomination. None of these mission agencies or auxiliary organizations is a "homosexual group." Local congregations can specify where their mission support is distributed however. If you have questions as to how this is done you should contact Dr. Donald Scott, Associate Executive Minister, at the region office.

If the denomination changes drastically, what might happen to International Ministries and the seminaries?

American Baptist related seminaries and colleges receive their funding from individual donors, congregations and other means of support separate for the national denomination. The national denomination does not fund these institutions.International Ministries does receive a percentage of the United Mission funding; however their primary funding comes through the World Mission Offering and gifts specified from individuals and local congregations. If major changes did occur within the denominational structure, International Ministries could continue to be funded through the direct giving of individuals and local congregations.

If the petition is not accepted and our region separates from ABCUSA, what happens to the region’s assets?

Nothing. The region is separate and autonomous from the national arm of denomination, which means that our assets would remain in control of the region board.

Would separating from the ABCUSA affect our camps?

Separating from the ABCUSA would not affect our camps in any way.What does the term "American Baptist Evangelicals" really mean?

The American Baptist Evangelicals were formed in 1992 to engage in an ongoing task of affirming the positive aspects of renewal within the ABC-USA as well as identifying the needs and problems of the denomination; and to work as American Baptists to solve creatively these issues; and to suggest positive directions appropriate to the local, regional, or national setting. Currently there are over 500 congregations and individuals who are members of the ABE. You can learn more about American Baptist Evangelicals at www.abeonline.org. American Baptist Evangelicals are NOT an official organization recognized by the ABCUSA. It should be noted that ABE is holding a national meeting at Northern Baptist Seminary in Chicago, IL on September 23-24, 2005.

Are there churches in our region who disagree with the Indiana-Kentucky statement?

As you might expect there are churches in our region who do not agree with the petition submitted by the region board.

Do all IN-KY General Board members support the petition?

No, they do not.

Were those who object to the petition reminded of what the Bible says?

The issue of Biblical authority has been instrumental in all communication surrounding the issue of homosexuality. Again, you should look at our website to view the motion for the petition as it was given before the General Board.

What are the percentages of churches that feel one way or the other? Are those supporting a stronger stance on the issue of homosexuality in the minority?

It is very difficult to give a clear answer to this question as there has not been asurvey to ask this question. From the comments of those attending the Listening and Information sessions within this region, it would seem that a strong majority would agree with the development of a stronger and clearer stance on this issue. We realize that there are also individuals who would disagree. There are also several of the larger regions who have clearly defined their support of our petition and the desire for a stronger national stance around this issue. There are also regions who would not agree.

Do we have a real feel for Indiana’s stance on the homosexual issue?

If 2/3 of our churches did not respond to the petition, we cannot make a difference.When local congregations are asked to respond to any material sent out, from church reports to training events, the response is always low. Many of the congregations within this region are working hard to stay focused on the ministry to which they believe God has called them and do not become involved in issues that they feel will take them in another direction. Other congregations contacted the region office to let us know that they could support part of the petition but they could not support it in full, Normally, areas of disagreement centered on points two and three of the petition. I have had several calls from congregations who stated that they never received the letter with the petition. And, there were those congregations who did not agree with the board’s action at all. Even so, to have 1/3 of the congregations within the ABC of Indiana and Kentucky study the request, take it before their church, and send a letter of support to the region, is a very strong statement of support. If 100 Christians (or 111 Indiana and Kentucky churches) set their mind with that of God’s, change can happen.

Do you view the General Board vote in November as a watershed event?

There is no single event that could be considered "the watershed event" in relation to this issue, though the General Board vote is very important. Other dates and events that will be watched closely are listed on our website.

What is the timetable? How long is long enough before some definitive action is taken?

There is no absolute timetable. Several events will influence future actions: The petition which began through our region board will have its second reading and vote in November of this year. Your region board will be receiving recommendations from the presidential task force at their November meeting concerning our relationship with the ABCUSA. Meetings with other regions and organizations inside and outside our denominational structure are going on and we do not know what they may produce at this time. Individuals and churches throughout the world are in prayer for God’s intervention for our denomination. Change in structure, and certainly change in direction, do not happen quickly and without great energy. This is not a time to set deadlines, rather a time to seek the will and wish of God.

Are there contingency plans for the future if change does not occur? What do we do as a region if the General Board votes against the Indiana-Kentucky petition? Do we stay with the ABC and go on as usual? Do we fight? Do we change our relationship with ABC?

Mrs. Connie Tingle, our region president, appointed a Presidential Task Force at the board’s meeting in July of this year. The purpose of the Task Force is to bring recommendations back to the region board in November 2005 that would address the ABC of Indiana and Kentucky’s relationship with the national denomination. That Task Force has met twice and is making good progress. Until that report is submitted and reviewed by the region board there are no formal contingency plans for our future. It continues to be our prayer that change will occur in the ABCUSA and there will not be a need to talk about such things as contingency plans.

What steps can my church take that will help (address the issue)? Does it help for churches and association to take action?

It is most important that you commit to pray. Whatever is done, whatever direction the denomination (including this region and your local congregation) moves in the years ahead must be led by God alone, and that means lots of prayer. A congregation can also let the region office, region board members and especially the region’s General Board Representatives know of your beliefs and desires for our region and denomination as a whole. Finally you can contact the General Secretary, Dr. Roy Medley, ABCUSA’s President, Mrs. Betty Johnson, or others within our national leadership. Region contacts may be found through our website (www.abc-indiana.org) and national contacts may be found at ABCUSA’s website (http://www.abc-usa.org/ .)

Can you give more information on the Great Commission Network?The best way for you to learn about the Great Commission Network is to go to their website. The region board will be asked to consider becoming a member at their November 2005 meeting. If that is approved you will be hearing a lot more about GCN.

How can we help a practicing homosexual turn his/her life around?

We must show love and grace. The Indiana-Kentucky petition and resolution seem to require that those who would approve of them (the petition and resolution) show clear and open love so that there can be no question that they come from the heart of God. Loving others as Christ loved must come first. If that is not present then nothing can be done.It is also important that you do your best to understand what it means to be homosexual. We cannot talk to or help anyone without some knowledge of their situation.Finally there are organizations and groups that can help congregations develop programs and support groups for persons seeking to change their lives.

Source:
http://www.abc-indiana.org/FAQs%20From%20Listening%20Sessions.htm

Pasadena: Strike Three for the Team from Valley Forge

Last night's gathering of the Execs from Valley Forge was a carbon-copy experience. Meeting at the First Baptist Church of Pasadena, there were only about 8 pastors in a group of 75--many of whom were elderly members of the church. Also present were two Fuller Seminary professors, members of the church, who oppose the PSW separation--Dan Scholar and Glenn Stassen (son of perrenial candidate for president, Harold Stassen).

The most pointed questions were posed by the church's pastor, Steve Hasper, who asked about the report that PSW General Board representatives had been "disinvited" to the GB meeting coming up in a few weeks. Dr. Medley replied that it had only been suggested to them that they ought not come.

Questions arose again regarding the status of Native American churches in Arizona. Aisand Wright-Riggins indicated that only funds partially supporting the salary of PSW employee had been cut off, and that the timing with the PSW matter was incidental. However, my sources confirmed that that cut off was backdated to the exact day that the PSW Board voted to move forward toward separation from ABCUSA. It is not credible that that was a coincidence.

My source also indicated that the PSW employee was discharged from NM support without consultation with the Native American churches themselves, which also undercuts the notion that the PSW staffer had been deemed incompetent by the actual churches involved. Mr. Wright-Riggins is simply not credible on this matter.

Strike Two! Medley and Company Fail to Impress at Redlands

On the second stop of their tour of PSW region churches, Roy Medley and his fellow Valley Forge executives failed to impress a gathering at the First Baptist Church of Redlands, CA.

Medley was accompanied by Aisand Wright-Riggins of National Ministries, Charles Jones of International Ministries and Sumner Grant of the M&M Board, as well as his associate from the Office of the General Secretary, Jeff Woods.

Medley denied that the current situation was a "liberal/conservative" issue; instead he called it an issue of either "moving forward in ministry" or not. This was not the only moment of fantasy or denial. Referring always back to the "new vision" of the ABCUSA, he engaged in his own version of "Darn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"

The crowd--only about 65 people--had only 8 senior pastors, most of whom were not sympathetic to Medley's message. A large number of those present were elderly members of the Redlands church.

Medley stated that while "we [had] hoped that the dialogue would continue" with the PSW region, his comments about the issue at hand were indistinguishable from the comments he made at his disaterous forum with PSW leaders on September 7.

Wright-Riggins spoke at length about his upbringing in Southern California and his personal angst at the prospect of a PSW separation. Always charming and winsome, his use of race analogies to the PSW impasse at least implied a racial element in PSW churches and leadership--that PSW separation is separatist and exclusive, bordering on racism. In what was admittedly a throwaway line, Wright-Riggins compared the PSW to a difficult child who has to be "wrestled down" to sit for a family portrait.

To his credit, Dr. Medley aplogized to Dale Salico (who, along with David Gregory of the PSW staff were present) for not sending him a copy of the letter sent to PSW churches.

All in all, the meeting at Redlands turned no heads, changed no minds and impressed no on except those who are Valley Forge loyalists.

National City Stop for VF Execs: "Underwhelming"

As reported on the ABE message board:

Well, talk about underwhelming. I just got home from the San Diego (National City) meeting. Boring would be an understatement.

To begin with, attendance was sparce. I counted less than 10 senior pastors there, with 30 something lay people. Most of these lay people came from only three churches, and the majority of those were elderly. I think there were at most four people under the age of forty in the entire assembly.

Medley opened up the meeting by saying that they were not here to debate the issues, but to present the ABC vision and how churches can remain a part of that. He stated they were not there to denegrate the PSW Region and appealed to those attending not to debate or defend the Region. He was quite pointed in saying that he and Dale Salico, who was present along with some other ABCPSW board members, were trying to treat each other with dignity and respect during this process.

For the next hour Medley and the gang took turns presenting their vision for the ABC. The issue of homosexuality was not mentioned once. Nor was a Bible opened either. At that point there was a question and answer time. Most of the questions revolved around what would happen to the churches who did not want to leave with the Region and remain in the ABC. The main option that was discussed was the churches wishing to remain with the ABC would be formed into a new Association and that Association would join with an existing Region, such as Los Angeles. Another possibility would be a new Region to replace the ABCPSW could be formed, but that would take time under existing bylaws.

As mentioned, most of the lay people in attendence were there from the several churches who are sympathetic to the denomination, and their questions and comments reflected that.

For me, the most interesting question came from a pastor who said something to Medley along the line of the "Help me to help you." He was putting together a packet of information to give to his congregation. He had plenty of information from the Region on the issues at hand, but nothing concrete or specific from the ABC. He then stated he had a member who was so loyal to the ABC that it would not suprise him if the man had the ABC logo tatooed on some part of his body. But that member had told the pastor that while he was loyal to the ABC, the issue that would cause him to leave would be the ordination of homosexuals. Was there something specific in writing that the ABC could provide? Medley responded that the ABC did not ordain. The pastor responded that that answer was not playing well and that a different tact would be needed to avert disaster. Medley shrugged. And that was it.

At that point it was about 9:00 and Medley called for people to break into groups of three to pray. After that the meeting was adjourned.

PSW Emails Notices Timed to Coinincide with Valley Forge Execs Visit to the Area

Late Monday evening, the following email was sent to the PSW constituency, obviusly timed to coincide with the Valley Forge executves "hat in hand" tour of the region, as the hope to deflate the steamroller solidarity of the PSW region regarding separation from ABC-USA.

Questions & Answers About ABCPSW and ABCUSA, #5

Dale V. Salico

1. Am I to understand that the ABCUSA is accepting homosexuality and allowing homosexuals into leadership both in individual churches, as well as regional and national roles?

The answer is that the ABCUSA places a high value on the autonomy (self-governing) of the local church and soul liberty (which they define as the right of every individual to interpret the Scriptures under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they believe correct). Therefore, while the majority of American Baptists believe homosexual relationships are sinful, according to Scripture, the ABCUSA upholds the right of the minority to disagree and still fully participate in the life and leadership of the denomination. That is why there are some individuals who are open about their homosexual practice while serving as pastors in American Baptist churches. Some of these individuals serve in leadership roles in Regions and on boards, committees and commissions of the ABCUSA.

The ABCUSA Resolution on Homosexuality states, “The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” For twenty years, many American Baptists leaders, including myself, have called for implementation of the resolution in order to prohibit persons involved in or condoning sexual behavior identified in the Bible as sinful from serving in positions of national leadership, such as the Ministers Council Senate, the General Board, national committees and commissions, and platform leadership at ABCUSA events. The ABCUSA, however, has rejected such restrictions, viewing them as denials of local church autonomy and soul liberty.

Without meaningful implementation, the ABCUSA Resolution on Homosexuality appears to be nothing more than words on a piece of paper. We believe that while churches should be autonomous there must be accountability for a commitment to Biblical authority and practice if we are to work together in mission.

The ABCPSW has a thorough policy on human sexuality that has been implemented. To read this policy on our website, go to: http://www.webmedleysb.com/media/media-76548.doc.

2) "Why is the leadership of ABCUSA not required to listen to, and respond in a positive manner toward the issues that over half of the churches consider critical?"

When I was on the Commission on Denominational Unity during the 90's we conducted a study showing that well over 50% of the churches agreed with the ABCUSA Resolution on Homosexuality. However, agreeing with a statement and agreeing on how to implement policy in the denomination are two different issues. What some would view as appropriate implementation, others view as "too much," and still others see as "too little!"

Furthermore, there are well known leaders, such as Dr. Medley, who strongly and eloquently contend that any implementation of the Resolution on Homosexuality is "unbaptistic," because it would limit the autonomy of the local church or "soul liberty."

A third factor is that many, who agree intellectually with the policy statement on homosexuality, live by the credo, "Don't rock the boat!" They are adverse to doing anything that upsets or angers others. Therefore, they remain quiet about their convictions.

The ABCPSW Board of Directors had the courage to "rock the boat" over the inconsistency between denominational words and deeds regarding homosexuality. The great majority of the churches in our Region are standing with the Board. Because of our united voice, we are being heard. We do not yet know for certain what the future will be, but we know the future will be different because we are standing together.

3) Why are the Executive Directors of International Ministries, National Ministries and MMBB, along with the ABCUSA General Secretary, Dr. Roy Medley, holding meetings in the ABCPSW with pastors and church leaders November 7-8?

Dr. Medley states that these meetings are for churches that want to remain in the ABCUSA even if the ABCPSW withdraws from the Covenant of Relationships. He has also indicated that this may be done either by a church withdrawing from the ABCUSA and joining another Region, OR by a church being dually aligned with the ABCUSA and the ABCPSW. In the meeting, Dr. Medley will share more about this. The Executive Directors of the Program Boards will discuss how their mission agencies will relate to churches.

Dr. Medley has made it clear that the purpose of these meetings is neither to debate the merits of the actions of the ABCPSW Board of Directors nor to debate the issue of homosexuality.

4) Has Dr. Salico tried to work within ABCUSA to bring about change?
The issue of homosexuality has been the subject of sharp debate in the ABC for about 20 years. Long before he came to the ABCPSW, he was working to strengthen commitment to Biblical Authority in the ABC and maintain denominational unity through...
· National Ministries Grow By Caring Task force member and writer.
· ABCUSA Commission on Denominational Unity.
· Common Ground Conference Leader.
· Many calls to pastors urging them to stay in the ABC.
· ABCUSA General Board & and Board of International Ministries.
· Called to PSW as Executive Minister to cast vision, uphold Biblical convictions and maintain unity with the ABCUSA.
· Writing committee for new ABCUSA Budget Covenant
· Consistently advocated for implementation of Resolution on Homosexuality while maintaining unity.
· Written letters and position papers regarding these issues.


Questions & Answers About ABCPSW and ABCUSA, #6
Dale V. Salico

Our Church will likely withdraw from the ABCUSA if the ABCPSW withdraws from the Covenant of Relationships. What are the possible legal implications of leaving the ABCUSA?

Churches should review the documents that may define their relationship with the ABCUSA and/or the ABCPSW. These include:
Articles of Incorporation.
Church Bylaws or Constitutions.
Other documents that deal with the operation and governance of the church.

There are numerous situations in which a church’s relationship with the ABCUSA and/or the ABCPSW is pivotal to a property or financial transaction. Often legal documents state that a loan or actual ownership of a property is conditioned on the church continuing in affiliation with the ABCUSA. For this reason, we recommend that churches review documents for reference to the ABCUSA including:

a) Loan Agreements and Promissory notes, including loans from ABCPSW, the ABCUSA, another ABC congregation or the American Baptist Extension Corporation.
b) Trust Deeds
c) Deeds and related title documents
d) Property Trust Agreements
e) Leases
f) Property use agreements
g) Church or pastor support agreements
h) Employment agreements
i) Property purchase agreements or option to purchase agreements
j) Personal property trust agreements (for example, gifts of cash or property in a special fund or trust for the support of a church program)
k) Guarantees

In addition, churches may have entered into gift annuities, charitable remainder or charitable lead trusts, or similar arrangements with church members providing for payments. These should be reviewed to ascertain whether there are terms or conditions requiring affiliation with the ABCUSA.

This is not an exhaustive list, but one intended to encourage you to review potentially important documents before taking actions. All documents that refer to the relationship between a church and the ABCUSA and/or the ABCPSW should be reviewed for their effect on both parties, and to determine steps that should be taken to avoid problems.

If your review brings to light a situation that may be impacted by your church’s decision, we urge you to consult with legal counsel for guidance on steps you should take to resolve the situation.

In addition to a church’s own records and archives, copies or originals of many church legal documents are on file at the ABCPSW Church Resource Center.

Background to the Indiana-Kentucky Proposal

As it is titled, this document gives a rather full history of how we got where we are in the impasse. It is found at http://www.abc-indiana.org/background%20information%20homosexuality.htm and discusses the issue from an Indiana-Kentucky perspective. The General Board will meet Nov. 17-20, 2005 and will receive a second reading of the IN-KY petition and vote.

Background Information And Update On The Issue Of Homosexuality And
The American Baptist Churches USA

May 16, 2005

It is the purpose of this paper to answer questions that have been asked, address what the American Baptist Churches of Indiana and Kentucky’s response has been to the November 17, 2004, letter to our local congregations and provide you with updates as to what could happen at the June 27-30, 2005 General Board meeting in Denver, Colorado. Needless to say, to do this will take some length. Please don’t let that stop you from reading through this document.
Background—homosexuality and the ABC

The following information is largely the result of work by Rev. Jim Oldham of the Cleveland Baptist Association, who researched the history and gave permission for others to utilize the fruits of his hard work. The following is an attempt to provide you with a concise yet comprehensive overview of the history of how the American Baptist Churches have dealt with the issue of homosexuality, and to highlight some of the current statements and proposals that are circulating within the denomination related to this issue.

In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s as American society became more tolerant and accepting of homosexual behavior, lifestyle, and relationships, a small group of folks began advocating for greater recognition of sexual minorities within the ABC/USA. These sexual minorities are now known as lgbt – lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and trans-gendered persons. The movement was formally organized and supported by a group known as American Baptist Concerned. Almost immediately an opposing counter-movement began within the ABC/USA by groups such as the American Baptist Evangelicals to oppose such a development. Homosexuality has been a growing issue within the denomination ever since.

Most American Baptists would agree that a literal reading of various biblical texts would appear to prohibit and condemn homosexual activity. Passages which most readily come to mind are Genesis 2:18-25 (the creation of woman and the institution of marriage); Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 (the Holiness Code); Romans 1:26-32, I Corinthians 6:9, and I Timothy 1:10 (Pauline condemnation). Those holding to a more open view generally seek to limit the broad application of these texts by various linguistic and historical analyses, and point to more generic biblical passages and the example of Jesus respecting human equality and love for all people as controlling in seeking biblical insight on the issue of homosexuality. Over time those on each side of this issue have developed their own biblical and theological base. In addition, some have argued that this issue is more about power and polity than about the Bible and theology. Those who believe that soul liberty and local autonomy are central to the identity of Baptist, or at least American Baptists, generally are uncomfortable with any denominational "confessional" or "creedal" statements about homosexuality or any other issue of what they perceive as faith and practice.

For many years, although the issue of homosexuality was argued and debated in various ways at ABC Biennial Meetings, as well as in other venues, the ABC/USA itself had no formal position on this issue. It was largely discussed and dealt with at the local church and regional level.

In October of 1980 the Indiana Baptist Convention (ABC of Indiana and Kentucky), at a regular meeting of delegates at an Annual Meeting at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, approved a resolution entitled "The Homosexual Lifestyle." This resolution opposed homosexuality stating that it was seen as "incompatible with the Bible and the Christian faith." The resolution also stated that "we oppose any organizational or fiscal affiliation with any church or para-church group which affirms or in any way promotes or perpetuates the homosexual lifestyle," and that "we oppose the ordination to the American Baptist Ministry of self-confessed practicing homosexuals." For American Baptist of this region that was meant to put this issue to rest.

In 1984, the General Board passed a Policy Statement on Family Life that reads in part:

"We affirm that God intends marriage to be a monogamous, life-long, one flesh union of a woman and a man, who in response to God’s call leave father and mother and cleave to one another. We affirm God’s blessing and active presence in marriage relationships so entered in response to God’s call."

This statement was strongly supported by a vote of 140 for and 24 against, with 4 abstentions. There is no way to know if the same clear support for this Policy Statement would be present today, it does remain the official policy of the ABC/USA.

In 1992, at the initiation of the West Virginia Baptist Convention, a formal Resolution on Homosexuality was adopted by the ABC/USA General Board.

This statement reads:
"We affirm that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching."

As with all ABC policy statements and resolutions, the West Virginia Resolution is binding only on the ABC/USA as entity, its officers, staff, and practices, and regions and local churches are free to honor, publicize, ignore, or disregard them as they choose.

As you might expect, the adoption of the West Virginia Resolution, and others that were brought forward later, did not end the division and agitation within the ABC/USA around the issue of homosexuality. In 1995, the General Board appointed a "broadly representative" 12 person Commission on Denominational Unity. It met for three years and held numerous meetings and hearings seeking to determine how the divide on this issue could be bridged in order to restore a greater sense of unity to the denomination. Among its recommendations that are adopted by the General Board in June of 1998 were the following:

Maintaining both the Resolution on Homosexuality and the Resolution Calling for Dialogue on Issues of Human Sexuality as official statement of the denomination. (The latter is a Policy Statement approved by the General Board in 1993, calling the denomination to "consider prayerfully the mind of Christ regarding human sexuality," and asking for American Baptists to continue dialogue on the issue of human sexuality while we "Pray fervently that as we honestly address these concerns we may seek unity and avoid divisiveness as we grow in our common mission for Jesus Christ."

Adopting and circulating the confessional statement "We Are American Baptists" as the common expression of the Christian faith as held by American Baptists.

Recommending the "Common Ground Process for Church Groups Facing Contentious Issues" as a model for considering potentially divisive issues."
In the early 1990’s a new organization known as AWAB – The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists – was created to advocate for the full inclusion of lgbt persons into the life and leadership of Baptist churches and organizations at all levels. It has grown from an original number of about 30 churches to about 50 today (not all of which are ABC/USA affiliated), along with persons who have obtained individual membership in the organization. During this time two regions, the ABC of the West and ABC of Ohio, disfellowshipped, or removed from their membership, five congregations that had membership in AWAB. These actions were appealed to the ABC General Board under Standing Rule 5 as it existed in 1999. The General Board sustained the removal of four of the churches (all from the ABC of the West), but reversed the removal of the disfellowshipped congregation from Granville, Ohio, with respect to their membership in the ABC/USA. The primary reason appeared to have more to do with two factors; polity issues related to local church autonomy and the right of regions to be gatekeepers for the denomination. In this case the issue of homosexuality was, at least for the most part, secondary. As you can imagine this created considerable confusion around this issue and eventually resulted in a call by several regions for adjudication. Adjudication is a complex provision of the ABC Standing Rules which allows one covenant partner (a region or national board) to formally dispute any action taken by another covenant partner, with the resolution determined by the action of an arbitrator appointed by the ABC/USA General Secretary.

Recent Developments

After months of discussion on this matter at various leadership levels in the denomination, a compromise was reached and agreed upon. This resulted in a new Standing Rule 5 which was adopted by the General Board in 2002. This followed the approval of the new Common Criteria for Cooperating Churches by a required ¾ approval of regions. The ABC of Indiana and Kentucky approved the Standing Rules changes. The compromise resulted in the withdrawal of the requests for adjudication. Essentially the compromise included these elements: (1) Each region is free to enforce its own criteria for membership for its own churches within the broad parameters of the Common Criteria for Cooperating Churches; (2) The Common Criteria for Cooperating Churches was modified to include acknowledgement of the document "We Are American Baptists" as one of the five criteria for church membership in the ABC/USA; (3) Any church anywhere in the country which is disfellowshipped or refused admittance to its own geographical region can apply for membership in any other ABC region and, if admitted, it is a member church of the ABC/USA through that region. (This action was required first to pass through the General Executive Council by a ¾ vote of their members. The ABC of Indiana and Kentucky, through its executive minister, did not vote for these changes in the Common Criteria, primarily because of element 3.) A number of the churches removed from membership by their own regions (including the four congregations in California and one in Ohio) subsequently applied to and were accepted by non-geographically contiguous ABC regions. In most cases this preceded without great controversy, however in two cases the application for membership by these churches created division within the regions in which they sought membership.

In 2003 the Bedford Association in West Central Indiana, following what they understood to be in alignment with the region’s resolution regarding "The Homosexual Lifestyle," disfellowshipped the First Baptist/UCC congregation in Bloomington, Indiana because that congregation ordained a self-confessed homosexual. After being rejected for membership into the ABC of Greater Indianapolis, the disfellowshipped congregation applied to and was accepted by the ABC of Rochester/Genesee Region.

During the same period, the issue of homosexuality caused serious division within the ABC of the Northwest. An attempt to change the By-Laws of that region to exclude any Welcoming and Affirming member church from membership in the region failed by a narrow margin. Rather than see this continue as a divisive issue within the region, some 30 churches (mostly around the Seattle, WA area) voluntarily agreed to withdraw from the ABC of the Northwest and form a new ABC region, now known as the Evergreen Baptist Association.

This past year (2004) a number of new elements on this issue unfolded:
Within the ABC Ministers Council a Senator representing the ABC of Massachusetts Ministers Council entered into a formal civil marriage (under the new laws of the State of Massachusetts) with her lesbian partner. A number of members of the Minister Council Senate, including some local Councils by formal action, objected to her continued seating as a Senator. The current Ministers Council By-Laws do not provide any mechanism for excluding a duly elected Senator representing a local Council. A proposed By-Law change has been introduced to allow such exclusion based on failure to adhere to the ABC Policy Statement on Family Life and the ABC Resolution on Homosexuality. During the 2004-2005 year this proposed change is being considered in local Councils, in many through a process known as "Jerusalem Councils," with a vote on the proposed By-Law change scheduled for the next Ministers Council Senate meeting in August 2005. You can receive more information about this by going to the ABC web site www.abc-usa.org and click on ABC Ministers Council.

The Indiana/Kentucky and Greater Indianapolis Ministers Council held one of the first Jerusalem Councils at Franklin College on February 12th of this year. The meeting was attended by approximately 30 persons who expressed opinions on both sides of the homosexual issue. Ministers Council President, Dr. Shawn Zambrows, announced at a recent Ministers Council Retreat, that additional meetings were being planned for later on in the year. The format for these meetings have not yet been determined. Our Ministers Council have two Senators who will be voting on the By-Law changes in August; Rev. Rebecca May, pastor at Elizaville Baptist Church, and Rev. Harris Long, pastor at Milan First Baptist Church.

The ABC regions of Indiana and Kentucky and West Virginia have formally submitted changes to the document "We Are American Baptists" and to the wording of the ABC Standing Rules. These changes would, in effect, void the Compromise of 2002, and provide specific basis for the exclusion of Welcoming and Affirming congregations by ABC regions. They would also limit a region’s ability to receive churches as members of the ABC/USA to only those churches located within its own geographical boundaries, except that a church might be received into a geographically contiguous region, but only with the permission of the region in which the church is located. In order to insure that this proposal is formally presented to the ABC General Board, it must be affirmed by at least 200 churches located in a minimum of five ABC regions.
Indiana-Kentucky Recent Actions

As most of you already know, in February of 2004, the Shelburn First Baptist Church was granted time to speak to the Region’s Executive Committee. They shared their position on the issue of homosexuality at the national level of our denomination and appealed to the region board for assistance in moving this issue forward to require the ABC/USA to take a clear stand. After much discussion the Executive Committee appointed a task force to study the issue and bring recommendations back to the September 2004 Executive Committee meeting. The task force included two General Board members elected as representatives from this region.

A recommendation was received at the September 2004 Executive Committee meeting, and after a time of prayer and discussion, was voted to recommend approval of the task force’s recommendation to the Region Board in November of 2004. The recommendations were eventually approved by the Region Board on November 13, 2004, and directed "the Executive Minister to pursue amending the Standing Rules of the ABC/USA." On November 17, 2004 letter explaining the Region Board’s action was sent to each local covenanting congregation in the ABC/IN-KY asking them to review the Board’s recommendations and if the church agreed, to send a letter of support for the recommendations to the region office.

At the November meeting of the Regional Executive Minister’s Council at Green Lake, WI, your executive minister explained the action taken by the Region Board and were told the executive minister that a letter would be sent to them asking them to present the recommendations in their regions. That was done on December 1, 2004.

At this time over 500 letters of support have been received from congregations in fourteen ABC regions. As a result the General Board Executive Committee has been notified and the recommendations will be on the agenda at the June 2005 General Board meeting in Denver, Colorado.

Through conversation with the ABC/USA’s general council we have been assured that all of the recommendations are possible, though not at the June meeting of the General Board. The first step is for the General Board to either accept or reject the "report," as it is now called, and then to decide how to act upon the recommendations. Because there is no assurance as to the action of the General Board in June, five meetings have been scheduled after the ABC/USA Biennial to insure you have all the information possible and can ask any questions that you may have.

National Developments

The Regional Executive Minister’s Council of the ABC/USA, at its meeting on November 20, 2004, issued a Pastoral Letter on the subject of homosexuality. The concept of the letter was that "the controversy over homosexuality has consumed our agenda, our discussion time, and our energy; yet the controversy still threatens to break us apart . . . (and) The prevailing view among American Baptists is that "the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching." Key to many who voted to approve the letter was item 7 of the letter, which was that "We commit ourselves to prayerfully discerning a way through this controversy and plan to report on our progress to the General Secretary and the General Board by June 2005." Almost immediately this statement came under attack from persons on both sides of the issue.

The Executive Minister of the Rochester/Genesee region called a meeting in February "to discuss strategies for preserving the American Baptist Churches from conservative hijacking." That meeting was held and persons from several regions, including the ABC of Indiana and Kentucky, attended.

The Regional Executive Ministers Council met in April of this year, supposedly with the primary purpose of developing recommendations to the General Secretary and General Board on settling the issue of homosexuality.

Unfortunately that did not happen. The time was spent being trained in a "new" process for discernment and virtually no time was given to the issue many thought was the purpose of the meeting. The work of the meeting carried over into the General Executive Council (all region executives plus several staff members from International Ministries, National Ministries, Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, Office of the General Secretary and representatives from a number of associated organizations). The meeting continued with great anxiety and passion, and ended with little more than a series of tasks to be assigned and worked through at future meetings. Though motions were brought to the floor that many felt would settle the homosexual issue within the denomination, they did not pass with a majority vote. The action was to maintain the current status and was exemplified through the approval of the statement, "The GEC agrees to present to its constituencies the realities of the Covenant of Relationships and in the context of the Bylaws and Rules of Procedures and the document "Autonomy and Interdependence." Therefore, the GEC affirms the right and responsibility of every Agency, Region, and Board to exercise its best wisdom and judgment in determining the most faithful way to honor the resolutions in their contexts."

There were six dissenting votes to this motion, all from regional executives who felt this was not a step forward, rather a giving of permission for everyone (including our national board and organizations) to ignore any Policy Statement or Resolution within the ABC/USA. Your executive minister voted against this motion because such action effectively negates the action taken by both region representatives to the ABC/USA General Board and local church delegates who attend ABC/USA Biennials.

It is the opinion of many who hold beliefs on all sides of the homosexual issue that this issue will not be settled without major breaks in the denomination. Clearly passions have reached the point where a number of people, on all sides of this issue, are seriously discussing the when and how of a formal division of the ABC/USA. Please continue to pray for your General Board Representatives, the denomination and God’s leading for all of us. [Emphasis added]

Does It All Hinge on a Hoosier Inititive?

As eyes turn to the General Board meeting (Nov. 17-20) which will take up the now famous (infamous, depending on where you stand) Indiana-Kentucky Petition, here’s helpful background material from the IN-KY ABC website. The IN-KY Board meets this Saturday.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSFROM LISTENING AND INFORMATION MEETINGS

July 19-August 2, 2005

Can you give a synopsis of the petition (approved by the ABC/IN-KY Board and receive by the General Board of ABCUSA)?

The petition, which can be found on the region’s website at www.abc-indiana.org, was received by the ABCUSA’s General Board in June, 2005. The petition is requesting three changes to the ABCUSA Standing Rules and bylaws.

It reads:

"To amend the document entitled "We are American Baptists" by adding the following statement to the section: "We are a Biblical people." The addition would read, "We submit to the teaching of Scripture that God’s intended design for sexual intimacy places it within the context of marriage between one man and one woman, and acknowledge that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching."

"To amend the standing rules so that regions would be allowed to receive as ABC/USA cooperating churches only those churches within their geographical boundaries or with approval of contiguous regions, receive churches located within those contiguous regions."

"To amend the standing rules so that a church dismissed by a region could only gain re-entry in the ABC/USA through the region from which it was dismissed."
The petition will be received for a second reading at the ABCUSA General Board meeting November 17-20, 2005, and a vote will be taken at that time.
Have we received a copy of the petition?A copy of the petition was sent to all of the region’s Professional Church Leaders on November 17, 2004. A copy of that letter can be found on the region’s website at www.abc-indiana.org.

If the vote by the General Board (in November, 2005) is positive, is it then a smooth road toward the bylaw changes?No, but it is a required first step. Each change requested in the petition must move through a different process due to the structure of ABCUSA.

Change one (amending "We Are American Baptists") requires only a majority vote of the General Board, but to incorporate the amendment into the Common Criteria (the document of requirements for a cooperating congregations within the ABCUSA) requires the proposed change to go before the board of each region and must be approved by three-quarters of these boards. If accomplished, the General Board acts on a "confirming resolution to incorporate the revised Common Criteria into the Standing Rules." The initial vote of the General Board will be taken in November of this year. Regions would probably be required to vote on the change before the June, 2006, meeting of the General Board. Then, the change could be voted on and become official at the June, 2006, meeting.

Change two (regarding the decision by a Region to receive a cooperating church), if approved by the General Board in November, 2005, would still require a change be made to Article V of the ABC/USA bylaws, as well as changes in the denomination’s Covenant of Relationships. The earliest this could be fully approved is at the June, 2007, Biennial meeting of ABCUSA in Washington D.C.

Change three could also move in several directions, but an acceptance by the General Board in November, 2005, would require a change be made to Article V. Section 2 of the ABC/USA Bylaws as well as a change to the denomination’s Covenant of Relationships. This could not be completed until delegates of the ABC/USA meet again for business, which is not until the 2007 Biennial in Washington D.C.

David Knipel, legal council for ABCUSA assures us that the requested changes outlined by the petition are all possible and could be accomplished within the timeframe stated above.

Are you focusing on marriage? What is the ABC stance on same sex marriage?

As you read the petition you can see that our first statement is a statement on marriage stating, "We submit to the teaching of Scripture that God’s intended design for sexual intimacy places it within the context of marriage between one man and one woman, …" The first point of this petition speaks to sexual intimacy, marriage and the practice of homosexuality.

Where does Roy Medley stand on this issue?

Dr. Medley’s Biennial address is on ABCUSA’s website and he speaks directly to this issue. It would be best if you would go to that site and read the address first hand.

Can you offer insight as to why the General Board and the General Secretary are reluctant to support the majority of churches?

I am not sure that the General Secretary believes that a majority of churches support the stand taken by IN-KY. He has said that there are 20% of American Baptists who would agree with the petition and 20% who would strongly disagree; the other 60% are somewhere in the middle. There are many who are members of the General Board who support the petition, and we shall see in November, as the vote on the petition is taken, what percentage of the board does support the petition.

American Baptist Churches USA have often lifted up the fact that we are the most diverse of all mainline denominations. As of this date there is no racial or ethnic group who holds a majority of membership. It seems that the denomination’s pride in diversity, originally referring to racial and ethnic diversity, now includes sexual orientation. To maintain unity in our diversity, ABCUSA is reluctant to take a strong stand on this issue.

Do we believe this (the homosexual issue) is God’s number one item?

This issue is not God’s number one item. We are clearly led through Scripture that our number one item is that of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). This issue, however, is currently dominating much of ABC life. The result is that we are unable to work together toward common visions, goals, and ministry. Even so God has been good and there is much good that continues as local congregations, regions and ABCUSA continue to minister and serve in ways that bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to many. Over the last nine years three different consultants to our national denomination have told us that if we are to reach our God given potential this issue of homosexuality must be confronted directly and an understanding of what we believe as American Baptists must be addressed.

What is the next issue on the list? What about other sins?

American Baptist history tells us that about every 40 years an issue comes forward and creates conflict for the denomination, and often ends with a number of individuals and churches leaving the denomination. It would seem this is the issue of today because it is the issue that society has pushed forward. Are there other sins? Yes, certainly, and those sins should be addressed.
A second reason the issue of homosexuality is being brought forward at this time is that it is the issue that is dividing our denomination and distracting us from the primary purpose of the Great Commission.

Are there risks of an SBC fundamentalist like movement within the ABC?

Of course there is a risk, but that is not what is being addressed through IN-KY’s petition to the General Board.

Can you help us understand how local church autonomy fits into this issue?
"A Baptist Manual of Polity and Practice," a book by Norman Maring and Winthrop Hudson that has been used as on of the definitive books to describe who Baptist are and what they believe says this about local church autonomy:
"For some people, the most prized doctrine of Baptists is ‘the autonomy of the local church.’ The notion of absolute independence of a local church, however, was foreign to the thinking of early Baptists. They adopted the congregational principle because they believed it would afford the possibility of fuller obedience to God, who is the only Lord of conscience. Especially in local affairs, such as the admission and exclusion of members and the choosing of a pastor, they needed to be free to seek and follow the will of the Lord. This right to ‘church power’ represented a degree of independence, but it was balanced by a strong sense of interdependence among congregations. Baptists recognized an obligation to maintain a wider fellowship within which they would give assistance, accept counsel, and work toward common ends. Today there is a widespread misconception of the ‘independent local church’ strand of Baptist ideology. In its original form it is essential to the Baptist genius, but the present-day idea of ‘absolute independence’ creates misunderstanding and fosters anarchy. It ignores the important values which are grounded in the associational principle," (pp. 8-9)

What is the meaning of the various ABC covenants? What are the ramifications if the covenants are broken?

The American Baptist Church USA consists of Boards (International Ministries, National Ministries, Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board and Office of the General Secretary) and over thirty regions. All of these are legally independent of one another, and because of that, autonomous in their structure. In seeking a common understanding of how these separate organizations would work and minister together, covenants of relationship were developed and accepted by each of the parties.

In recent months the American Baptist Churches of the Pacific Southwest indicated that they were considering withdrawing from one of the covenants but remaining part of the national denomination. They received a letter from Dr. Roy Medley, ABCUSA’s General Secretary (which was copied to all region executives) which stated that if a covenanting partner broke or withdrew from one of these covenants of relationship, they withdrew from them all. Meaning that once a region or board enters into a covenant of relationship with the national body all covenants must be maintained or it would be assumed that all covenantal agreements were broken. Therefore, if Indiana and Kentucky chose to withdraw from any of the covenants in which they are now entered with other regions and boards, it would be considered that we withdrew from all. In effect this would mean that we were no longer American Baptists.

What does the term "Welcoming and Affirming" really mean?

Members of the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB) are churches, organizations, and individuals who are willing to go on record as welcoming and affirming all persons without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity, and who have joined together to advocate for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons within Baptist communities of faith. At last count there are about 51 ABC congregations who have membership, many of which are dually aligned with other denominations. You can learn more about Welcoming and Affirming congregations at http://www.wabaptists.org/. The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists is NOT an official organization recognized by the ABCUSA.

What if the homosexual doesn’t have a choice? Our assumption has been that people choose this lifestyle, but we don’t really know.

There does seem to be research that indicates this it is possible that some individuals are born with a tendency toward a homosexual lifestyle. There are other researchers who will state the opposite. As of this date I do not know of any study that scientifically proves that either is true. Our region’s policy on homosexuality states that "practicing homosexuality" is sinful, just as "practicing alcoholics" find themselves in a sinful lifestyle. There is strong research that states that alcoholism (and even such behaviors as extreme anger) can be traced to a physical understanding. We also know that alcoholics will never cease to be alcoholics, but they can abstain from alcohol.

When you talk about homosexuals and church leadership what kind of leadership are you talking about? Pastoral leadership?

The Resolution on Homosexuality passed by delegates at an annual meeting at Lawrenceburg in 1980 continues to be what guides us at the region level. This resolution states that the region will not ordain or recognize the ordination of practicing homosexuals. Local congregations are autonomous and must make these decisions for themselves. However, it should be noted that when a local congregation did choose to ordain a man who was a practicing homosexual, the association in which that church resided disfellowshipped the church from its membership and the region board removed the church from its rolls as well.

Is there language in the petition or in other documents relating to mission money and homosexual groups?

There is no language in the petition that speaks to mission money at all. As long as we are members of American Baptist Churches USA we are committed to the Common Budget Covenant, which is a document that explains the percentages of United Mission Giving that is sent to various mission agencies and auxiliary organizations within the denomination. None of these mission agencies or auxiliary organizations is a "homosexual group." Local congregations can specify where their mission support is distributed however. If you have questions as to how this is done you should contact Dr. Donald Scott, Associate Executive Minister, at the region office.

If the denomination changes drastically, what might happen to International Ministries and the seminaries?

American Baptist related seminaries and colleges receive their funding from individual donors, congregations and other means of support separate for the national denomination. The national denomination does not fund these institutions.

International Ministries does receive a percentage of the United Mission funding; however their primary funding comes through the World Mission Offering and gifts specified from individuals and local congregations. If major changes did occur within the denominational structure, International Ministries could continue to be funded through the direct giving of individuals and local congregations.

If the petition is not accepted and our region separates from ABCUSA, what happens to the region’s assets?

Nothing. The region is separate and autonomous from the national arm of denomination, which means that our assets would remain in control of the region board.

Would separating from the ABCUSA affect our camps?

Separating from the ABCUSA would not affect our camps in any way.

What does the term "American Baptist Evangelicals" really mean?

The American Baptist Evangelicals were formed in 1992 to engage in an ongoing task of affirming the positive aspects of renewal within the ABC-USA as well as identifying the needs and problems of the denomination; and to work as American Baptists to solve creatively these issues; and to suggest positive directions appropriate to the local, regional, or national setting. Currently there are over 500 congregations and individuals who are members of the ABE. You can learn more about American Baptist Evangelicals at www.abeonline.org. American Baptist Evangelicals are NOT an official organization recognized by the ABCUSA. It should be noted that ABE is holding a national meeting at Northern Baptist Seminary in Chicago, IL on September 23-24, 2005.

Are there churches in our region who disagree with the Indiana-Kentucky statement?

As you might expect there are churches in our region who do not agree with the petition submitted by the region board.

Do all IN-KY General Board members support the petition?

No, they do not.

Were those who object to the petition reminded of what the Bible says?

The issue of Biblical authority has been instrumental in all communication surrounding the issue of homosexuality. Again, you should look at our website to view the motion for the petition as it was given before the General Board.

What are the percentages of churches that feel one way or the other? Are those supporting a stronger stance on the issue of homosexuality in the minority?

It is very difficult to give a clear answer to this question as there has not been a
survey to ask this question. From the comments of those attending the Listening and Information sessions within this region, it would seem that a strong majority would agree with the development of a stronger and clearer stance on this issue. We realize that there are also individuals who would disagree. There are also several of the larger regions who have clearly defined their support of our petition and the desire for a stronger national stance around this issue. There are also regions who would not agree.

Do we have a real feel for Indiana’s stance on the homosexual issue? If 2/3 of our churches did not respond to the petition, we cannot make a difference.

When local congregations are asked to respond to any material sent out, from church reports to training events, the response is always low. Many of the congregations within this region are working hard to stay focused on the ministry to which they believe God has called them and do not become involved in issues that they feel will take them in another direction. Other congregations contacted the region office to let us know that they could support part of the petition but they could not support it in full, Normally, areas of disagreement centered on points two and three of the petition. I have had several calls from congregations who stated that they never received the letter with the petition. And, there were those congregations who did not agree with the board’s action at all. Even so, to have 1/3 of the congregations within the ABC of Indiana and Kentucky study the request, take it before their church, and send a letter of support to the region, is a very strong statement of support. If 100 Christians (or 111 Indiana and Kentucky churches) set their mind with that of God’s, change can happen.

Do you view the General Board vote in November as a watershed event?

There is no single event that could be considered "the watershed event" in relation to this issue, though the General Board vote is very important. Other dates and events that will be watched closely are listed on our website.

What is the timetable? How long is long enough before some definitive action is taken?

There is no absolute timetable. Several events will influence future actions: The petition which began through our region board will have its second reading and vote in November of this year. Your region board will be receiving recommendations from the presidential task force at their November meeting concerning our relationship with the ABCUSA. Meetings with other regions and organizations inside and outside our denominational structure are going on and we do not know what they may produce at this time. Individuals and churches throughout the world are in prayer for God’s intervention for our denomination. Change in structure, and certainly change in direction, do not happen quickly and without great energy. This is not a time to set deadlines, rather a time to seek the will and wish of God.

Are there contingency plans for the future if change does not occur? What do we do as a region if the General Board votes against the Indiana-Kentucky petition? Do we stay with the ABC and go on as usual? Do we fight? Do we change our relationship with ABC?

Mrs. Connie Tingle, our region president, appointed a Presidential Task Force at the board’s meeting in July of this year. The purpose of the Task Force is to bring recommendations back to the region board in November 2005 that would address the ABC of Indiana and Kentucky’s relationship with the national denomination. That Task Force has met twice and is making good progress. Until that report is submitted and reviewed by the region board there are no formal contingency plans for our future. It continues to be our prayer that change will occur in the ABCUSA and there will not be a need to talk about such things as contingency plans.

What steps can my church take that will help (address the issue)? Does it help for churches and association to take action?

It is most important that you commit to pray. Whatever is done, whatever direction the denomination (including this region and your local congregation) moves in the years ahead must be led by God alone, and that means lots of prayer. A congregation can also let the region office, region board members and especially the region’s General Board Representatives know of your beliefs and desires for our region and denomination as a whole. Finally you can contact the General Secretary, Dr. Roy Medley, ABCUSA’s President, Mrs. Betty Johnson, or others within our national leadership. Region contacts may be found through our website (www.abc-indiana.org) and national contacts may be found at ABCUSA’s website (http://www.abc-usa.org/ .)

Can you give more information on the Great Commission Network?

The best way for you to learn about the Great Commission Network is to go to their website. The region board will be asked to consider becoming a member at their November 2005 meeting. If that is approved you will be hearing a lot more about GCN.

How can we help a practicing homosexual turn his/her life around?

We must show love and grace. The Indiana-Kentucky petition and resolution seem to require that those who would approve of them (the petition and resolution) show clear and open love so that there can be no question that they come from the heart of God. Loving others as Christ loved must come first. If that is not present then nothing can be done.

It is also important that you do your best to understand what it means to be homosexual. We cannot talk to or help anyone without some knowledge of their situation.

Finally there are organizations and groups that can help congregations develop programs and support groups for persons seeking to change their lives.

Source: http://www.abc-indiana.org/FAQs%20From%20Listening%20Sessions.htm

Medley's Fund-Raising Letter Sparks Cynicism and Derision

A fund-raising letter from Roy Medley hit the mailboxes of potential donors late last week--a letter that has been widely received with derision and even a bit of gallows humor. In the midst of the PSW crisis and on the verge of denominational meltdown, the Office of the General Secretary thought this was a dandy time to raise money to patch the hole in the Titanic. Especially absurd portions are bolded.

Quote: October 28, 2005

Dear ____________:

Grace, mercy and peace through out Lord Jesus Christ. I want to take this opportunity to extend a very special invitation to play a very significant role in renewing and revitalizing the ministries of the Office of the General Secretary (OGS) of the American Baptist Churches USA.

This ministry stands at the center of all we do. What the hub is to the wheel, what the heart is to the body, what the sun is to the solar system, the Office of the General Secretary is to American Baptist ministry and mission. I’d like you to prayerfully consider standing with me as we move into some of the most exciting times in the history of American Baptist ministry.

[O, be still my beating heart!]

To speak about the ministry of the Office of the General Secretary is a misnomer because it is a people ministry, not management of machinery. It is about equipping, empowering and encouraging pastors, local congregations, and regional and national staff to be more effective and efficient in their ministry for Jesus Christ.

[Methink he doth protest too much.]

You are rightly focused on the ministry of your church-the fundamental unit of mission. However, often unnoticed are the coordinating, envisioning, caring and general ministries at work. When people pause in wondrous admiration at an exquisite orchid garden, they rarely spend time admiring the complex sprinkler system that helps make it all possible!

[It is possible that a real human being actually penned that last horrid and florid sentence? Please tell me a program designed to write the most absurb analogy possible wrote it. PLEASE?]

Listed below are examples of the people ministry of OGS:

• Cutting-edge ministry strategies taught by Dr. C. Jeff Woods, Associate General Secretary for Regional Ministries and a recognized authority in ministry trends.
• Sound financial counsel for church treasurers offered by Rev. Cheryl H. Wade, Associate General Secretary and Treasurer.
• Basic stewardship and tithing teaching and resources for local churches by the World Mission Support staff who help us challenge the dominant consumer culture in which we minister.
• Newly designed, user friendly Web site and first class journalistic news reporting from the staff in our Office of Communication.
• Care for our employees through our Human Resource staff and good stewardship of the ABC Mission Center in Valley Forge by our Building Maintenance personnel.

As your General Secretary, I feel called to add to the list:

• I have rejoiced and been blessed in many prayer gatherings across the denomination.
• I am thrilled that our General Board adopted our new mission statement. With all my heart, soul and strength, I pledge to carry out the vision that we may be Centered in Christ- A People of Prayer, Purpose and Passion.
• I am excited about the Wait on the Lord conference for ministers in January 2006.
• I eagerly anticipate the appointment of an Associate General Secretary to lead the Office of Mission Resource Development, which will combine the ministries of World Mission Support with the Office of Communication
• I am honored and humbled that the General Secretary’s Prayernet has been wonderfully received by American Baptists. Nearly 6,000 people have joined! What a mighty source of power for Christ and the Kingdom!
• I am delighted that my Pastor to Pastor, Heart to Heart newsletter has been positively received by our pastors. The response has been so overwhelming that plans are developing for two more web-based newsletters entitled Leader to Leader and Disciple to Disciple.

[It is interesting to contemplate why Dr. M. did not list "I was honored to be grilled by pastors and laypeople of the Pacific Southwest region, who think I'm a nice guy, but hopeless as a leader."]

This is an incredibly exciting moment in the ministry of the Office of the General Secretary.

[Man, is that the understatement of the century! Exciting as being in Berlin in April, 1945.]

Because this ministry can’t be done alone, I am writing to invite you to become a Charter Member of one of the “Circles” that will play a vital role in our expanding ministries to the church. The enclosed brochure shares some of the benefits you’ll receive as a Charter Member.

To keep you abreast of all that your membership means to our ministry together, you’ll receive your choice of any or all of the three communications I’ve mentioned: Pastor to Pastor, Leader to Leader, and Disciple to Disciple. Although many who join these Circles are not pastors, they welcome the opportunity to see how their partnership is blessing American Baptist pastors from coast-to coast with this newsletter.

[Where's the prayer-cloth from Benny Hinn?]

What’s more, because Leader to Leader isn’t just for those with formal positions of leadership. But for those seeking to influence others for Christ and be positive agents of change, many members of these Circles will opt for this complimentary subscription as well.

To be a blessing to you daily, you’ll also receive a complimentary subscription to the Secret Place, an acclaimed devotional used by thousands of American Baptists to enrich their walk with the Lord.

Also to remind you of the ministry your membership will make possible week-in and week-out, you’ll receive a beautiful Centered in Christ, United in Mission… and Growing poster, a stunning image of Christ composed of hundreds of faces of American Baptists.

[There's that Benny Hinn prayer cloth!]

Enclosed are a special reply care and return envelope. To accept your Charter Membership invitation, simply check the appropriate box on the Member Enrollment Form, and return it at your earliest convenience in the enclosed envelope.

Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your friendship, and for all that your support will mean to so many as we move forward with prayer, purpose and passion.

Centered in Christ,

A. Roy Medley

Truly, Dr. Medley, you have earned a new title: Pharoah Roy, the King of Denial. The sky really is falling, and you didn't get the memo.

An Alternate Text of Acts 15?

An amazing discovery of an alternate text of a portion of the book of Acts has been discovered. The text, referred to as Acts VF #1, tells a very different story of the solution of a dispute in the early church commonly referred to as the Council of Jerusalem. Here is the new text, as translated by scholars at Frisbee Newton Badly Hall Seminary in upstate New York:

Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad. However, this was also considered a shameless effort to manipulate the prejudices of the people in the pews. When they came to Jerusalem, they were cautiously welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.

Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the Law of Moses."

The apostles and elders met to consider this question. After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you that our polity makes discriminating action impossible. I mean, I know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. But now what are we supposed to do? I mean, that’s my perspective, but what right do we have to impose our views on these sincere sisters and brothers? Our hands are tied.”

The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. Simon has described to us how our polity allows for a wide variety of perspectives. Now we have Barnabas and Paul making a big deal about this. Obviously, they’re the real problem here. Trouble makers, I’d say. Let’s face it—the problem isn’t the Judaizers. It’s these guys. They’re narrow-minded. I bet they even want us to have a statement of faith. Shocking!

"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the diversity among the churches. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from the narrow ideas of these two wild men.”

So Barnabas and Paul were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and withheld their United Mission funds. They began to be more intolerant and insisted on preaching Jesus to pagans. Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached these wild fundamentalist ideas. And they were first called Evangelicals at Antioch.

Any resemblance between this parody and current events is entirely intentional.

The point of this parody is that when we hold up current ways of doing things to the light of the New Testament, some of the things being said today are simply absurd. Isn't the first allegience of a Baptist to the Scripture itself, not to modern nebulous concepts such as "diversity", "soul liberty" and a view of polity that not only would be unrecognizable in the New Testament, but as well to early English and American Baptists?

ABE and the Lombard Movement Announce "Vision Architects"

This was just posted on www.abeonline.org, and represents the next important step in creating a new organization for Baptists.

Santa Ana, Calif.
November 4, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As charged by those who attended the "Summons to Lead" conference in Lombard, Ill., last Sept. 23-24, a group of pastors and professional lay leaders will meet on Friday, November 11, 2005, to continue casting vision and strategy for the new movement that will replace American Baptist Evangelicals. These "Vision Architects" represent churches, regions and professional organizations throughout the U.S. Please pray, particularly on the 11th, that God will work through this team to meet these objectives.
Participating in the architect team are:

• Jim Amend, Sr. Pastor, United Baptist Church, Richland, Wash.
• Terry Deaver, Sr. Pastor, FBC, Augusta, Kan.
• Patty Duckworth, Assoc. Exec. Minister, ABCNW, Great Falls, Mont.
• Scott Gibson, Professor, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, S.
Hamilton, Mass.
• Vic Gordon, Sr. Pastor FBC, Huntington Beach, Calif.
• Bill Hoyt, NexStep Coaching and Consulting, Diamond Bar, Calif.
• Conley Hughes, Sr. Pastor, Concord Baptist Church, Boston, Mass.
• Scott Jones, Sr. Pastor, FBC, Webster City, Iowa
• John Kaiser, Resource Minister, ABCW, Roseville, Calif.
• Brenda Madsen, Huntington Beach, Calif.
• Dennis Metzger, Sr. Pastor, FBC, Hamilton, Ohio
• Roberto Miranda, Sr. Pastor, Leon de Juda Congregation, Boston, Mass.
• Bill Nicoson, Fountain Valley, Calif.
• Chuck Peckham, Exec. Pastor, Montgomery Community Baptist Church,
Montgomery, Ohio
• Jossimar Salum, Sr. Pastor, Church Planter, Exec. Dir., Great Revival
Ministries, Worcester, Mass.
• Kevin Siscoe, Pastor, FBC, Kewanee, Ill.
• Dick Sipe, Sr. Pastor, FBC, Marshaltown, Iowa
• Kevin Slyh, Sr. Pastor, FBC, Canton, Ohio
• Cindy White, Assoc. Pastor, Ashland Baptist Church, Ashland, Ohio

David Doyle Amends Remarks about Dr. Abbott

Glenn,

Ain't the Internet wonderful - we can pull pix of stuff from thousands of miles away!

Anyway, I found out this morning that one of my comments about Z Allen was not exactly correct, so I'd like to send the correction I received on to you. I don't believe that it changes much as either way one ends up in the same place.I wrote "Z is being hammered on this but he's said that it's an issue he'll die for." with the issue being W & A. However, I find that the issue Z said he would die for is the autonomy of the local church. The context of the conversation was the ordination and acceptance of homosexuals so it really ends up in the same place. If the Executive Minister won't take a stand against the ordination and acceptance of homosexuals, he's taking a stand for it. He won't use his authority as Executive Minister to prevent something which the majority of us call sin. In fact, he said, at a meeting I was present at, that if we (being a group of evangelical pastors) "force" him to deal with our side of the issue, that he'll have to spend time with the other side as he is "the Executive Minister of All." I find that interesting because at present we don't have any W&A churches.Z Allen has demonstrated that he will allow polity to trump theology. I think that Biblical Authority is at the core of this issue and that the W&A component is merely a symptom. So while, I want to clarify what was said, I don't think it changes a thing.

So What's Happening in Northern New England?

UNITED BAPTIST CHURCH, Concord, New Hampshire

I’ve been renewing old acquaintances via this blog; one’s with
David Doyleof United Baptist Church of Concord, New Hampshire. 
I knew David when Iwas pastoring in Laconia, New Hampshire.  He’s
a good pastor and an outstanding exegete.  In an email, I asked him,
“So what’s the theological climate in the ABC of Vermont and New
Hampshire?”  Here, with his permission, is his reply. 

The theological climate in VNH is lukewarm at best.  We have an
Executive Minister (Z. Allen Abbott) who is committed to bringing
us to a Welcoming and Affirming stance and is, for the most part,
a clone of Roy Medley (it's interesting - you hear or read a remark
from Medley and within three weeks Dr. Abbott is spouting the same
thing).   The structure of our Region makes any change virtually
impossible unless the Executive wants it.   

Basically say that nothing can come to the floor of the Annual
Meeting unless 75% of the Executive Trustees (basically all on Dr.
Abbott’s side) and each association (also by a 75% vote) want it. 
There are a number of efforts to relieve Z. of his burdens!  I doubt
they'll do much as he isn't really stupid
enough to do anything that will cause his firing.

The Region itself is pretty strongly conservative-overwhelming support
forthe Minister’s Council amendment, and when they took a vote of the
Region's ministers before it was 80-30 in favor of the amendment.  Dr.
Abbott is being hammered on this but he's said that it's an issue he'll die for.

He is going around the Region telling ministers that they had better not be
associated with the group of renegades or they won't get placement, and
other veiled threats.  So nothing new there.

One of our problems is that there always seems to be someone on the
conservative side that starts acting like a jerk and driving people away
from a cooperating association.  But we are still trying.

Mostly frustrating in the denomination stuff – many have done what
UBC has done - we've pretty much withdrawn for any denominational
activity and have designated all our giving so that Valley Forge and 
Lebanon [the ABC/VNH office] gets nothing.  That's irritated a few folks.

UBC passed two resolutions on sexuality (one I think came from your
Region) and sent a letter to both Z. and Roy – no response yet.

It's kind of funny being one of the old hands (25 years in the
Region) watching things implode and believing that it's for
the best.  Can't wait to see what God brings out of the ashes.

Blessings,

Dave

I think you’ll agree that Dr. Doyle’s letter illustrates the self-protective
nature of many ABC denominational officials, as well as the gap
between the churches and those same leaders. His comment that
Dr. Abbott was willing to “die for” the W&A issue is also illuminating,
showing the depth of passion some are willing to invest in this poison pill.

Also, I should note that David has a blog, www.fightingacedia.blogspot.com.