The positions of the Baptist churches about homosexuality are varied. The main ones being conservative fundamentalist or moderate, liberal and progressive. Some Baptist associations support blessings of same-sex marriage.

Basic beliefs

There is a diversity of views of Baptist denominations on homosexuality.John C. Dwyer, Human Sexuality: A Christian View, Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 1987, p. 62David Jeffers, Understanding Evangelicals, Xulon Press, USA, 2006, p. 54 Most denominations remain conservative, believing in what they describe as 'traditional' marriage between one man and one woman.William H. Brackney, Historical Dictionary of the Baptists, Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 519 Some denominations allow local and autonomous congregations to determine their own regional policies. Some Baptist denominations supports same-sex marriage.

Denominational positions

Several organizations and denominations of Baptist churches have issued statements and resolutions about homosexuality.

International denominations Fundamentalist position In some Independent Baptist churches, there are anti-LGBT activists. Wayne R. Dynes, Encyclopedia of Homosexuality: Volume II, Routledge, Abingdon-on-Thames, 2016, p. 1062

Conservative position The vast majority of Baptist denominations around the world hold a conservative view on homosexuality,William H. Brackney, Historical Dictionary of the Baptists, Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 519 like those gathered in the Baptist World Alliance.Ted Olsen, Southern Baptists No Longer In, Nor Of, World Alliance, christianitytoday.com, USA, June 1, 2004 They only support sexuality in marriage between a man and a woman, but show sympathy and respect towards LGBT people.Stephen Hunt, Contemporary Christianity and LGBT Sexualities, Routledge, UK, 2016, p. 40-41 Churches thus see themselves as “welcoming, but not affirming”.Bill J. Leonard, Baptists in America, Columbia University Press, USA, 2005, p. 241Mark Jennings, ‘Welcoming, but not affirming’: being gay and Christian, theconversation.com, USA, August 30, 2016 This expression has its origin in the book Welcoming but Not Affirming: An Evangelical Response to Homosexuality published in 1998 by the American Baptist theologian Stanley Grenz.Roger E. Olson, The Westminster Handbook to Evangelical Theology, Westminster John Knox Press, USA, 2004, p. 316

Inclusive position The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists is made up of Baptist churches, organizations, and individuals who welcome and affirm people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and advocate for LGBTQ people inclusion within Baptist faith communities.William H. Brackney, Historical Dictionary of the Baptists, Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 603

National denominations Neutral position Some Baptist denominations do not have official beliefs about marriage in a confession of faith and invoke congregationalism to leave the choice to each church to decide.William H. Brackney, Historical Dictionary of the Baptists, Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 503Bill J. Leonard, Baptists in America, Columbia University Press, USA, 2005, p. 243 The Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms William H. Brackney, Historical Dictionary of the Baptists, Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2021, p. 628 The American Baptist Churches USA released a statement following the legalization of same-sex marriage by the Supreme Court of the United States saying that the denomination will "respect and will continue to respect congregational freedom on this issue." While the General Board had previously voted to define marriage as "between one man and one woman," the denomination did not adopt the policy statement. The ABCUSA "allows individual congregations to decide whether to ordain LGBT clergy or perform same-sex marriages" and does not have a denomination-wide policy.Bob Allen, Analysis: A timeline of CBF's LGBTQ debate, baptistnews.com, USA, July 7, 2016 The Progressive National Baptist Convention (USA) does not have an official position and, like many Baptist denominations, allows individual congregations to determine their own view. As a result, some congregations have performed blessings and marriages for same-sex couples. The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (USA) allows individual organizations and churches to support or fund gay rights advocacy if they so choose, but it is not required or prohibited. In February 2018, the association removed a statement from its hiring policy prohibiting the hiring of LGBT staff members or sending LGBT missionaries, mentioning that leadership positions were reserved for those living in faithful celibacy in marriage between a woman and a man. Bob Allen, CBF relaxes policy on hiring LGBTQ staff, but maintains some restrictions, baptistnews.com, February 9, 2018 In June 2018, the Affirming Network for full LGBTQ inclusion and affirmation was founded.Bojangles Blanchard, Breakfast at CBF Launches Network for LGBTQ Inclusion, goodfaithmedia.org, USA, June 21, 2018 The National Baptist Convention, USA passed a resolution in 2012 affirming that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, but mentioned that it leaves autonomy to each church to decide on the subject."A Statement on the Same-sex Marriage Issue, Voting and Christian Responsibility" (primary source link ), National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. June 21, 2012 The Baptist Union of Great Britain stated in a 2024 consultation that the Council upholds the liberty of the local church to appoint ministry according to their governing documents. EF, British Baptists not open to same-sex married pastors, evangelicalfocus.com, Spain, 22 March 2024 The Open Baptists Association (Australia) Olivia Goeldner, New hope for local church ousted over LGBTQ+ support, newcastleweekly.com, May 9, 2025

Inclusive position Some Baptist denominations supports same-sex marriage. The Alliance of Baptists (USA).William H. Brackney, Historical Dictionary of the Baptists, Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2021, p. 14 The Aliança de Batistas do Brasil.Renato Cavallera, Aliança batista aprova o reconhecimento da união gay no Brasil e afirma que é uma “boa nova”, noticias.gospelmais.com.br, Brazil, May 25, 2011 The Fraternidad de Iglesias Bautistas de Cuba.Javier Roque Martínez, 'El cristianismo no jugará un papel relevante en la oposición al gobierno cubano', newsweekespanol.com, Mexico, February 17, 2022

See also

Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches

References