Two churches under fire for LGBT policies, face possible expulsion from Texas Baptist association

Mamie Mangoe, a friend of the Duncan family, wipes a tear away during a memorial service for Ebola victim Thomas Eric Duncan, on Wednesday Oct. 8, 2014 at at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. Duncan died Wednesday morning at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. (AP Photo/The Dallas Morning News, Nathan Hunsinger) less Mamie Mangoe, a friend of the Duncan family, wipes a tear away during a memorial service for Ebola victim Thomas Eric Duncan, on Wednesday Oct. 8, 2014 at at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. Duncan died ... more Photo: Associated Press Photo: Associated Press Image 1 of / 36 Caption Close Two churches under fire for LGBT policies, face possible expulsion from Texas Baptist association 1 / 36 Back to Gallery

Two Texas Baptist churches may be expelled from the Baptist General Convention of Texas for their welcoming open-door policies toward LGBTQ people, reports say.

The Baptist Standard reports that Wilshire Baptist in Dallas and First Baptist in Austin received letters from BGCT officials stating that because the churches had affirmed themselves with the LGBTQ people, they were "no longer being in harmonious cooperation with the BGCT."

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The BGCT is a part of the Southern Baptist Convention, which among its core beliefs is that homosexual behavior is a sin.

The Wilshire Baptist letter from the BGCT reportedly says, "Should your church choose to publicly affirm same-sex sexual behavior, the BGCT will no longer be able to accept funds from the church, seat its messengers to the annual meeting, allow the church to express affiliation with the BGCT or allow its members to serve on the BGCT boards, committees or other roles."

"The outcome is not yet known, and it will not be known until after the convention messengers are seated," Wilshire Pastor George Mason told The Baptist Standard. He also told them that his church plans to send messengers to the BGCT annual meeting in Waco, Nov. 14.

First Austin also received a similar letter from the BGCT, The Baptist Standard reports.

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"We do not desire to argue over sexuality any further," a response letter sent to BGCT officials by First Austin reads. "As a church, we did our diligent theological work, being guided by the Spirit, meditating on scared scripture and hearing the stories and struggles of our own members. As a result of that thoughtful process, we are proudly and openly welcoming and affirming of all God's beloved children."

Back in 2010 was the last time the BGCT openly scolded a church over LGBTQ issues after Dallas' Royal Lane Baptist Church stopped receiving funds from the BGCT for appointing openly gay deacons.