Membership in the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists is available to churches, organizations and individuals who desire to enter into association with others who are working to foster greater inclusion of lesbian, gay and bisexual persons within Baptist churches, and who are willing to "go on record" as being welcoming and affirming. The Association work includes advocacy, networking, referrals, and education.
AMERICAN BAPTIST & ALLIANCE OF BAPTISTS MEMBER CONGREGATIONS - The membership of the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists is primarily composed of American Baptist and Alliance of Baptists congregations who offer welcome and affirmation to lesbian, gay and bisexual persons and who wish to enter into association with like-minded congregations for the purpose of networking, education, advocacy, and support.
BAPTIST AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS - Affiliate memberships are available to structures, groups and agencies which are affiliated with the ABC/USA, Alliance of Baptists and other Baptist bodies. Affiliated groups might include: R/S/C's, mission agencies, pastoral counseling centers, seminaries, camps and conference centers, church outreach programs and support groups, etc.
FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION - Membership in the Association is also open to groups which are not directly affiliated with Baptist bodies, as well as to individuals. Friends of the Association include: non-ABC Baptist churches; groups and agencies which are not structurally connected with a Baptist body, such as student groups and pastoral counseling centers; parents; pastors; chaplains, etc.
To enter into association with other Welcoming & Affirming Baptists:
1. Submit a statement of welcome and affirmation.
Rather than require adherence to a prescribed statement, each member of the Association is requested to submit their own. This might be a part of a mission statement, a vote by the diaconate, a portion of the church by-laws, a document created by a study group and approved by the church, a statement about the congregation's history with the gay community, etc. Read "Guidelines for Statements of Welcome & Affirmation" for more information on preparing your statement. Sample statements are available on request.
2. Indicate the source of the statement.
Briefly outline the source of the W&A statement and the process by which it was drafted, indicate how approved (was the statement approved by a particular board,
voted on by the whole church/organization, etc.?) and give the date of final approval. Include minutes if possible. If your process was not this formal, give us some background information.
3. Complete the Membership Application Form (on the reverse side.)
4. Enclose membership fee.
Suggested amounts for annual membership donations are listed below. Make checks
payable to "W&A Baptists."
Basic membership $50 - 99
Sustaining membership $100 - 249
Benefactor $250 and above
It is hoped that Association members will support the continuing work of the Association by making a yearly pledge, e.g. as part of their annual mission budget.
5. Check to see that all items above have been completed and mail to:
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists
P. O.
Box 42544,
Washington, DC 20015
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists
Name of congregation/organization _______________________________________________
Mailing address ________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip __________________________________________ phone
(____) ___________
Number of delegates and/or visitors usually in attendance at denominational meetings ______ Active Membership ___________
The following information will assist us in contacting you when a rapid response is necessary: Fax (_____) __________ E-mail address where messages may be sent ___________________
Contact person ______________________________________ position
___________________ Mailing address (if different from above)
___________________________________________
City/State/Zip __________________________________________
phone (____)____________
If other than local American Baptist church, please indicate type of ministry.
What is your affiliation with American Baptist Churches/USA?
Membership donation enclosed: $___________
Signature of person making application _____________________________________________ position ____________________________ date ______________
Complete, include W&A Statement and information (see other side) and mail to:
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists
PO Box 42544, Washington, DC 20015
PLEASE NOTE: All information pertaining to this application, including W&A statement, may be used for referral or publication by the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists.
To enter into association with other Welcoming & Affirming Baptists, individuals should:
1. Submit a statement of welcome and affirmation.
Rather than require adherence to a prescribed statement, each member of the Association is requested to submit their own statement. This might be part of your own personal journey, a statement about your involvement with the gay community,
your attitude towards the role of lesbian/gay/bisexual persons in the church, a sermon, etc. Read "Guidelines for Statements of Welcome & Affirmation" for more
information. Sign and date your W&A statement.
2. Complete the Individual Membership Application Form
3. Enclose membership fee.
Suggested amounts for annual membership donations are listed below. Make checks
payable to "W&A Baptists."
Individual membership $25-49
Supporting membership $50-99
Sustaining membership $100-249 Benefactor $250 and above
It is hoped that Association members will support the work of the Association by making a yearly pledge. Membership will not be denied due to inability to pay the suggested minimum membership fee. Simply note on the application form.
Household membership - Two or more persons in same household may join the Association in one application. However, all persons joining must sign the W&A statement and the application form. $35 is the suggested minimum membership fee.
4. Check to see that all items above have been completed and mail to:
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists
PO Box 1423, Attleboro Falls MA 02763
Name Rev Ms Mr Dr _________________________________________________
Mailing address _______________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip __________________________________________ phone (____)____________ Fax (____) ______________ E-mail address _____________________
Optional information: (areas for referral and networking)
pastor chaplain counselor other ____________________________
I am a family member of a gay/lesbian/bisexual person who is my
parent child sibling husband/wife _________________
Local church membership _________________________________________________
location __________________________________________________________
denominational affiliation(s) __________________________________________
PLEASE NOTE: Addresses, phone/fax numbers and information from the "optional" section above will only be used on an individual basis for networking and referrals. Names and city as well W&A statements of
individual members may be used at the discretion of the Association in published form, such as in fliers, newsletters and informational packets. If you do not wish this information published, check the box below marked "Networking and Referral ONLY". Membership in the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists is not to be construed as an indication of sexual orientation.
Membership donation enclosed: $__________
Signature ___________________________________________________ date ____________
Signature ___________________________________________________ date ____________ Networking and Referral Only (If checked, no information will be published) ____
Complete, include W&A Statement and information (see other side), and mail to:
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists, PO Box 259257, Madison, WI 53725
Copyright The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptist
Churches, 1996. All Rights Reserved.