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Statement of Inclusivity
Lake Avenue Baptist Church is committed to an inclusive ministry in every way.
Lake Avenue Baptist Church, founded as a memorial to peace after the Civil War, has a long history of working for peace and justice. In the early 1990s, the congregation began to educate itself on the issue of sexual minorities in our society; and in May, 1995, adopted a statement which reads in part:
| Lake Avenue Baptist Church, as a community of God’s people, is called to minister to all people. Our world is often a place where people feel excluded, and are oppressed, because of a variety of factors, such as race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, economic circumstance, and other such categories. Christ, however, calls us to reconciliation and wholeness. This reconciliation extends to all people.
Therefore, we at Lake Avenue Baptist Church pledge ourselves to be open to and affirming of all persons. All who affirm Christ in their lives are welcome into the membership of this community of believers, to share fully in its life, leadership, and ministry. We rejoice in the worth and dignity of every person as a child of God. |
At the same time, Lake Avenue voted to join the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists, a national alliance of American Baptist churches and individuals who welcome and affirm the full membership and participation of LGBT people in the life of the church. As a member of this national organization, Lake Avenue has been a strong advocate for other American Baptist congregations which have been persecuted for their welcoming position. |
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