The Southern Baptist Convention has once again taken aim at LGBTQ rights—this time by overwhelmingly passing a resolution urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its landmark 2015 decision that legalized same-gender marriage nationwide. But queer faith leaders are not staying silent.
In a strong and heartfelt response, the Council of Bishops of the Global Justice Institute is calling out what they see as a dangerous and demoralizing attack on queer families. Their message is clear: marriage equality isn’t just a legal matter—it’s about lives, families, and dignity.
The Council also turned the tables with a powerful symbolic proposal: a petition demanding the annulment of all Southern Baptist marriages. “If Southern Baptists wish to deny our marriages, they too must recognize the impact of such discrimination.” Signed by Bishops Pat Bumgardner, Robert Griffin, Jim Merritt, and me, the call to action urges allies to sign the petition, remind faith leaders of the Golden Rule, and stand for fairness, compassion, and equality.
For the Council, this isn’t about revenge. It’s about visibility, justice, and protecting love. To sign the petition, go to change.org and search for “Invite LGBTQQIAA+ Community to Demand Annulment of Baptist Marriages.”
