In the last week, I have had three reporters calling and asking me about the Southern Baptist Convention next week.

The first was David Winfrey of the Western Recorder, Kentucky’s Baptist State paper. I met David last year during the Super Saturday in Louisville. He sat in on a session that I taught with Joe Ball and wrote kind things. I look forward to his article.

The next person that called was Peter Smith of Louisville’s Courier Journal. This is probably the most widely read papers in the state of Kentucky. Peter is the Religion editor and is working on coverage of the convention next week. He said the article should run next week some time.

Finally, I was just called by a young man from “Yes Weekly,” which lists itself as an “Alternative News Magazine” based in Greensboro. I didn’t catch his name, but he seemed friendly. He also said that he wasn’t quoting me on anything, just trying to understand what was happening.

At first he asked about the Memphis Declaration and then asked what theological issues we would be dealing with next week. I told him that our theological issues were pretty settled on all things essential for orthodoxy, but that cooperation was our main issue right now. He asked if that meant cooperating with others outside of Southern Baptists and I said that while that was worthy, we need to work on cooperating with ourselves.

Then he asked me a few questions related to the issue of homosexuals, gay marriage and the church. This, along with the description on their website, led me to believe that the magazine was one focused on the homosexual agenda. After perusing the website, I did not find much mention of homosexuality and there were numerous ads for heterosexual dating services. I did not spend much time there, but I just wanted to see the perspective from which this young man may be observing the SBC.

He said that his understanding was that Southern Baptists may accept homosexuals into their churches, they would not be willing to ordain them to the ministry. He then said that he was in the Episcopal church and that was the issue they were dealing with.

I told him that, while I hoped every Southern Baptist would love everyone, I didn’t know any Southern Baptist who would accept an openly practicing homosexual as member in their church. I said that I hoped they would be welcome to attend and that the church would love on them, but if they felt the Bible approved of homosexuality as a lifestyle, that we would have to disagree strongly with that.

I also referred to Fred Phelps and his presence in Greensboro. I told him that I, personally, found the “God Hates Fags” slogan and website (run by Phelps) repulsive. However, I did say that what we believe about homosexuality as a sin is not changing anytime soon.

Next week is getting more attention every day.

[edit]

I had inadvertently posted the word “a**” in my post above. I was trying to write the word “as” and added an “s” to it. The placement of the word, which is offensive to many, was also particularly unfortunate. I received several emails and IM’s telling me of my mistake. My Mom was tracking me down all over the county. I would like to thank everyone for graciously responding to my mistake and attempting to keep me from offending others.

I do apologize for any offended. I am going to have to start proofing my articles more meticulously.

[/edit]

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