by Sandy » Thu Jun 30, 2016 10:02 pm
The stance of a denomination or fellowship, or other entity, in Baptist polity has no effect on the independence or autonomy of a church. Church autonomy rests on its ability to ordain and call its own ministers and deacons, to determine the qualifications for membership and to choose its members, to determine its own doctrine and theology, and to choose what denomination, or organization, or entities, or mission boards, that it will support. The theological position of any group with which it is affiliated has no bearing on autonomy or independence. In most Baptist organizations, churches can walk away by simply stopping their financial support through the organization or entity. If it holds a position that they are not in sympathy or agreement with, they can choose to join or not to join. If they join, they can certainly participate in efforts to bring about change, while accepting the fact that a previous group of leaders has spoken, and made a decision, with the support of the majority, that they believe is best for the good of the organization. If a congregation is disfellowshipped because the organization believes its perspectives are not congruent with the church, that's not a violation of the church's independence or autonomy. Nor is it a problem when a church decides it will leave. There's no penalty for either the church, or the denomination, that results. And since CBF doesn't disfellowship churches, it's a moot argument as far as they are concerned.
I've watched Presbyterian churches here attempt to disengage from their denomination, PCUSA, and it's not easy for them. They forfeit their property, and their ministers lose a lot in the way of pension, insurance coverage, salary and other benefits. Quite a difference. Anything the SBC might do that appears to be interfering with church independence and autonomy is not even close to that.
I'd guess that the group pushing for a more open policy on LGBT persons in CBF is a pretty small minority, or they'd have succeeded in changing the bylaws and constitution by now. I'd also guess that if they succeeded, there would be a lot of churches exercising their options, and leaving.