One of our members has come out of the closet. Her mother wants us to talk to her daughter. We are really in a quandry as to how to handle this, both spiritually and legally. We are concerned that we could be charged with a “hate crime.”
Feb 8, 2010
Thank you for contacting us about this important matter. In reviewing your e-mail it seems that you identify two issues, spiritual and legal. The first and most important issue would be discerning the appropriate, biblical ministry for your congregation and the individuals involved. I would encourage you to contact Bob Stith who served as a pastor for many years and currently serves as in the Southern Baptist Gender Issues Office. Bob’s contact information can be found on their ministry web site (www.sbcthewayout.com) or:
Bob Stith
SBC Gender Issues Office
1290 E. Highland Street
Southlake, TX 76092
Phone: 817-424-9121
Fax: 817-421-3663
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
After speaking with Bob and prayerfully considering your appropriate course of action, if you still have questions of a legal nature, I would encourage you to contact legal counsel. They will not only be able to provide legal advice, but represent the church should that become necessary.
Please keep in mind that every Southern Baptist church is independent, autonomous and self-governing and therefore these types of decisions are made at the local level. Any opinions shared by the ERLC staff, the Gender Issues office, or legal counsel should be prayerfully considered, but ultimately your church will be responsible legally and before God for the decisions you make and actions you take.
Further Learning
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