BRENTWOOD, Tenn. -- During a special called meeting May 30, the Tennessee Baptist Convention Executive Board voted unanimously to dissolve its relationship with Glendale Baptist Church, according to Baptist Press.
The meeting was called to specifically address Glendale's May 2002 hiring of the Rev. April Baker, a lesbian, as associate pastor with responsibilities related primarily to children and families, the news service reported.
"In light of our different visions of faith and practice, and after much prayer and dialogue with the leadership of Glendale Baptist Church, the Executive Board of the Tennessee Baptist Convention acts to dissolve its relationship with Glendale Baptist Church," the board said in a statement.
The board's decision was accepted by members of Glendale.
"We at Glendale Baptist Church appreciate the prayer and dialogue with representatives of the Executive Board of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and accept the decision of the Executive Board to dissolve our relationship," the church response read. "May God's blessing be with us all as we continue to see God's work in the world and join in that work."
