We are aware of the long history, numerous constructive ministries, and productive place University Baptist Church has had in the Austin Community. And we are also aware of the many years the church has been in cooperation with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. However, the open affirmation by the church of homosexual behavior, a practice which we believe to be in conflict with the teachings of the Bible and of the officially adopted position of the Convention, led us to the attached recommendation. The following was adopted by the Administrative Committee, January 30, 1998. The BGCT currently faces a situation in which a particular church, University Baptist Church in Austin, has continued to take actions that indicate that the church supports a practice that Baptists in Texas consider to be in conflict with scriptural guidelines.
Information published by the church clearly indicates approval of homosexual practice.
Also, in published materials, the church indicates affiliation with the BGCT and contributes funds which go to the BGCT, the SBC, and other Baptist entities. The Convention values both the autonomy of local churches and the harmony which is vital to the Convention's purpose of fostering cooperative missions and ministries. Throughout the course of its existence, the Convention has steadfastly supported these two values. We have consistently avoided attempts to exercise ecclesiastical authority, and we have protected ourselves from threats against the integrity of our fellowship. Under the concept of the autonomy of the local church, the church is, of course, free to take such a posture.