Today, our Executive Director, Brian, and retired Co-Director of the Alliance of Baptists, Rev. Paula Dempsey, will travel to the Country of Georgia at the invitation of Bishop Malkhaz Songulashvili, the leader of the Georgian Baptist Church. Brian submitted this reflection before his departure:
“Several years ago the Georgian Baptists went on record for being welcoming and affirming of LGBTQ+ individuals. This commitment prompted some significant mission partners to withdraw their support from the Georgian Baptists. The Alliance of Baptists stepped up to provide support and solidarity to our Georgian siblings. And so, AWAB now is seeking to do the same.
My mind goes to the words from the First Letter to the Corinthians, “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it” (12:26). Historically, AWAB has sought to stand with all those who have gone on record as being welcoming and affirming of LGBTQ+ folk. As AWAB’s ministry expands, may we sense how the Spirit is leading us to support folk close to and even far from home.
At the encouragement of supporters of AWAB, AWAB reached out to the Georgian Baptists and their leader, Bishop Malkhaz Songulashvili. Bishop Malkhaz invited AWAB to visit as early as this Spring. With the generous support of individuals and the AWAB Board, this trip has been made possible. I’m delighted to be traveling with Rev. Paula Dempsey, retired Co-Director of the Alliance of Baptists. More to come.”
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