For those of you asking about the secret meetings mentioned in an earlier article, this new Wall Street Journal article characterizes things well. Its behind a paywall, so in case you cant access it, here are highlights: There were multiple meetings throughout; one in particular had many participants from each side; a key goal for those of us representing LGBT-friendly orgs was to work for the safety of LGBT youth; relationships were formed in person for the sake of long-term dialogue, but no specific concessions were made by either side during the meetings themselves. My analysis: Significant? Yes, but not for the reasons many people may think. Politically, the Southern Baptists have not moved at all in recent years. Theologically, theres been some shift (e.g. is orientation itself sinful?), but its small. I wouldnt expect these meetings to result in a sudden change on either of those fronts. The real opportunity for change here is in something most people outside the SBC wont see: what happens to LGBT kids who grow up in Southern Baptist homes (still Americas largest Protestant denomination) and how theyre treated when they come out. Thats an area where a shift can literally mean the difference between whether a kid is treated with understanding and compassion or winds up homeless, suicidal, or even dead. For that reason, these are significant conversations. on.wsj/1zjxDjF
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 20:36:18 +0000
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