The Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) voted unanimously on Tuesday to "withdraw fellowship" from New Heart Community Church in La Mirada, California, because its senior pastor, Pastor Danny Cortez, has recently announced that he believes "same-sex marriage can be blessed by God."
"We will accept the LGBT community even though they may be in a relationship," wrote Cortez, whose letter was featured in a blog.
"We will choose to remain the body of Christ and not cast judgment," he continued. "We will work towards graceful dialogue in the midst of theological differences. We see that this is possible in the same way that our church holds different positions on the issue of divorce and remarriage. In this issue we are able to not cast judgment in our disagreement."
When Cortez announced his new beliefs regarding what the Bible says about same-sex relationships, the church decided to "agree to disagree" and create a "Third Way" for the church, in which they will allow members and leadership to have different theological views.
The Executive Committee of the SBC said that such an approach was not cooperating under the SBC Constitution, which states, "Among churches not in cooperation with the Convention are churches which act to affirm, approve, or endorse homosexual behavior," in Article III.
Mike Routt, the chairman of the Executive Committee, stated that Cortez' actions are "reinterpreting Scripture."
He said in a statement, which he also gave to the Baptist Press, "The issue is not just about homosexuality. It is about the collision of our orthodox faith and your radical theology."
"We advocate Jude 3: Contend for the faith that was once entrusted to the saints," Routt continued. "You advocate reinterpreting the faith that was once entrusted to the saints."
"This action does not reflect a lack of love for homosexuals," said Frank Page, the President of the Executive Committee of the SBC, referring to their decision to no longer acknowledge New Heart in the SBC. "We love all people, including homosexuals. But when you love someone, you tell them the truth about their actions. By its action on behalf of the convention, the Executive Committee is telling New Heart that its failure to condemn homosexuality breaks the heart of God. We're praying that the church will repent," he told the Baptist Press.
