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Same sex marriage -
A (London) Baptist response
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The Baptist Union of Trinidad and Tobago (B.U.T.T) recognizes marriage, both Christian and non-Christian as biblically valid, (1 Peter 3:1-2, Hebrews 13:4 and I Corinthians 7:12-15).
The BUTT understands marriage as a communal as well as a legal issue. However as a Christian community we also see marriage as a covenantal and spiritual issue (Ephesians 5:2). We further see marriage as a union between a male and female, a man and a woman.
While we acknowledge that we do not have a monopoly on knowledge and that revelation is progressive and incremental, we would also affirm that up to this point in time we have no new revelation to demand a change in our understanding of marriage or gender designation.
We humbly recognize that homosexuality, which includes lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) people is not worst than any other sin nor is it the culprit in the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It is not worst than fornication, murder or divorce. We therefore affirm that practicing homosexuals as well as practicing fornicators, adulterers, or liars will not be allowed to minister or hold any office in a Baptist Church.
While no Baptist Church will disrespect or hinder persons of any persuasion from attending worship services, we will not marry gays or affirm the gay lifestyle because we believe that such a lifestyle is not in keeping with the biblical revelation of Christianity or of marriage.
We further take responsibility for focusing not only on affirming our position on the issues of homosexuality and same sex marriage but also for reviving, celebrating and sustaining biblical, heterosexual marriages as well as biblical standards of sexual and ethical purity.
Baptist Union Skills Bank
The Baptist Union is on a renewed drive to create an inventory of skilled/human resources that are available within the Baptist fraternity. We believe that God has blessed Baptist in this country with the gifts and abilities to assist us in achieving our vision of growth, development and longevity. We further believe that each member has some unique skills, abilities and interests which can benefit the wider Baptist body.
The Skills bank will also help us to foster constructive networking, creative exchanges of resources and facilitate projects and partnerships across the Baptist community.
The document was designed solely for churches affiliated to the Baptist Union and for committed members who are faithful to their churches.
Please be advised that the forms be filled out at a regular meeting of the church, maybe a bible study or prayer meeting. It would be very helpful if it is done in the presence of the Pastor or senior member or Deacon who can assist those who may need help in responding to the questions.
The skills bank will be managed by the Baptist Union Executive and all information will be held in the strictest of confidence.
