Baptist sect splits over homosexuality

COVINA, Calif. (AP) — The board of the Pacific Southwest region has voted unanimously to break ties with the 1.4 million-member American Baptist Churches in the U.S., concluding a long dispute over homosexuality.

The region covers southern California and five other states with about 5 percent of the American Baptists' 5,800 congregations. The break is effective Nov. 1.

Denominational headquarters in Valley Forge, Pa., said "a significant number of churches wish to remain American Baptist" and would form a new southwestern association.

American Baptist policy states that "homosexuality is incompatible with biblical teaching," but southwestern Baptists were upset that, in local situations, practicing homosexuals were ordained to the clergy and held leadership posts in American Baptist agencies. The Southern Baptist Convention cited such complaints in a 2004 decision to quit the Baptist World Alliance, in which it shared membership with the American Baptists. Last year, the American Baptists' largest regional unit — the West Virginia association — narrowly rejected a pullout.

The southwestern board cited "deep differences of theological convictions" for its May 11 decision.

Southwestern President Brian Scrivens said "we will seek opportunities for continued fellowship and partnership" despite the break, which occurs "without animosity or malice. We will continue to pray for God's blessing" on the denomination and its congregations.