Calgary pastor calls First Baptist’s plan to reject non-heterosexual members ‘hurtful’
Global News
Calgary's LGBTQ2S+ community expressed concern over what it believes are archaic views of religion. The First Baptist Church pastor is rejecting the stance of some congregations.
A move by Calgary’s First Baptist Church has hit a real nerve with other faith communities in the city.
The downtown church has a sign outside that reads “Everyone is welcome.”
But a recent letter by the pastor addressed to their congregation contradicts that notion.
Lead pastor Norm Derkson said the church disagrees with other churches that are accepting of those with non-heterosexual lifestyles.
He explored the possibility of rejecting membership to those in the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Keith Murray is a candidate for ordained ministry and works at Hillhurst United Church. They said the message of exclusion is harmful.
“There are a lot of communities who believe the only way to be accepted by the creator is to not be gay and not be trans,” Murray said. “I see the pushback and I’m all for freedom of belief, but when that belief imposes on the ability to express who they are and love who they love, that’s when we need to protect people.”
The pastor at First Baptist didn’t respond to Global News inquiries. In the letter, Derkson advised The Canadian Baptists of Western Canada (CBWC) that a meeting was needed to discuss the matter. The CBWC states it has a biblical view of marriage.
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