Council Statement

Following a period of prayerful and careful listening across our Baptist movement we have sought to discern the mind of Christ together.  Council maintains that the basis of our Union is the Declaration of Principle and, “that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, is the sole and absolute authority in all matters pertaining to faith and practice, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures…”

Council has concluded that our Ministerial Recognition Rules concerning marriage and ministry will remain unchanged. Therefore, an accredited minister should not themselves be in a same-sex marriage. Nonetheless Council reiterates that sexual orientation is no bar to accreditation. Furthermore, Council upholds the liberty of the local church to appoint ministry according to their governing documents[i].

Council laments all the pain that has been experienced through the process which has led to this decision and is acutely aware of the significant impact it may have. While Council has reached a decision, it recognises that the consultation report reflects a range of convictions across our Baptist family.

Council asks us all to demonstrate grace and respect towards those that hold different views to their own. Council also asks us all to exercise pastoral care and sensitivity, especially to those who requested this change or are unable to be in accredited ministry. Remembering the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Church in Ephesus for us to bear with one another in love, we strive to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Holy Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:2-3)

Council has reached this decision seeking to embody the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in all our deliberations and conversations. We continue to pray that all the communities into which we bring God’s love as Baptists Together will recognise the fruit of the Holy Spirit in us. Our deep desire is for all to know the renewing love of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

[i] The Baptist Union of Great Britain: Guideline Leaflet L09: Equality law and your church

Call to Prayer

From the Baptist World Alliance

Baptists across Israel and the Palestinian Territories request fervent prayer for just peace. This includes the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel with 17 Baptist churches and the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land representing 13 Baptist churches in the Palestinian Territories, including a Baptist church in Gaza.

Together as a Baptist family that is one in Christ Jesus, let us mourn with all whose loved ones have been killed or are held captive. Let us follow paths of peacemaking that unequivocally reject terrorism or any acts that target civilians, include dehumanizing language, or limit human rights on the basis of ethnicity or faith. Let us generously provide help and support with the compassion of Christ. Let us stand together with our Baptist family and all who are suffering, and in the midst of complexity and violence, hear again the words of the prophet Micah “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly” in pursuit of restorative justice and peace for all people. Our Baptist leaders in the region have shared the following calls to prayer.

Prayer is the most important action we can take at this time.

Please join with Baptists around the world in prayer using the prayer points listed below.

• Pray for a quick end to the conflict and the prevention of escalation into a larger war in the region.
• Pray for the God of all comfort to be with those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.
• Pray for those who have been wounded during the conflict and for those providing medical assistance to them.
• Pray for the safety and liberation of hostages, and pray for mediators to facilitate their release.
• Pray for wisdom and discernment for the leaders, that they may make decisions that lead to lasting peace and alleviate suffering.
• Pray that Christians from around the world will unite in prayer for peace, demonstrating the love of Christ to all peoples.
• Pray for safety of local followers of Jesus and that they will be shielded from extremism and hatred, especially young people.
• Pray for God to utilize our churches as effective witnesses during this challenging time, through the power of the Holy Spirit, including the Baptist church in Gaza and its ongoing ministry.
• Pray that Christians around the world will give generously as our Baptist family across this area seeks to holistically minister in this critical time of suffering.
• Pray for peace, hope, and security for the entire region, and that the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays so that Israelis and Palestinians will experience life lived in peace and freedom with one another.