DURHAM, N.C. -- Members of the Watts Street Baptist Church voted May 16 to end their financial support of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, according to the Associated Baptist Press.

The decision came after the state convention removed another church, McGill Baptist Church in Concord, from its rolls last year for baptizing two men believed to be gay.

State convention officials cited a 1992 convention policy that prohibits accepting funds from "any church which knowingly takes, or has taken, any official action which manifests public approval, promotion or blessing of homosexuality."

McGill leaders deny violating the policy, saying they don't ask new believers about their lifestyles before baptizing them.

According to Watts Street pastor Mel Williams, the convention's decision overstepped bounds.

"We really thought it was a violation of local autonomy," he said. Watts Street broke ties with the Southern Baptist Convention in 1992.

Jim Royston, executive director of the state convention, voiced regret over the church's decision, but added, "I respect their autonomy and would welcome their return to convention membership if they choose."

Watts Street moderator Jim Drennan said the church action passed on a "strong vote" but with some members dissenting. The motion affirmed the congregation's right to determine its membership policies, adding the church will "continue to welcome as members any person professing that Jesus is Lord and wishing to serve God as a member of our congregation, with no questions asked about that person's personal life."