Megachurch members sign statement opposing same-sex marriage

A megachurch in the US state of Florida has urged its members to sign a statement affirming marriage is only understood to be between one man and one woman.

It’s understood whoever does not sign the statement will no longer be allowed to be part of the membership of the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville.

The statement reads: “As a member of First Baptist Church, I believe that God creates people in his image as either male or female and that this creation is a fixed matter of human biology, not individual choice.

“I believe marriage is instituted by God, not government, is between one man and one woman, and is the only context for sexual desire and expression."

During a special meeting on Sunday, the church’s lead pastor, Dr Heath Lambert, said the decision to put the statement in place was a congregational decision.

“This is a statement that is from our membership,” Pastor Heath said.

“It was approved by all of our pastors. It was approved by all of our lay leadership and it was approved by a vote by the entire congregation. So this is not an upfront for anybody at Baptist Church. It comes from First Baptist Church as an expression of our entire congregation”.

Members have until 19th March to sign the document.

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