Protestants (especially Baptists): Your church's view on divorce

[Esdra]

In the Anglican Church of Canada allowing divorce and remarriage I believe started in the 20th century. One had to have the permission of the Bishop though, who would make a decision based on the facts of the divorce.

That is still technically the case here, but I have never actually heard of anyone being denied. In fact, in our cathedral there was once a priest who was being divorced, and had a “divorce ceremony”.

a divorce ceremony? I’ve never heard of that!
And how does such a divorce ceremony look like? (briefly described?)

 

[PetoVeritas]

The Southern Baptist Convention has passed resolutions concerning divorce. But like always, they are non-binding to the member churches.

I’m really curious to know why member churches of the SBC bother to be under the umbrella of the SBC when the resolutions of said organization are non-binding to its member churches. If it’s non-binding then… what’s the point of resolutions? I’m really confused about that. It seems like the metaphorical equivilant of the UN passing resolutions on North Korea or Iraq. Nice and all, but ultimately they don’t do anything. (And NO, I’m not trying to make out any Baptist church as being an evil power like Korea or Iraq! )
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That’s probably way off topic, but it was posted here so I’m asking in the same thread.

 

[Bluegoat]

a divorce ceremony? I’ve never heard of that!
And how does such a divorce ceremony look like? (briefly described?)

I wasn’t there, but from what I was told it involved leaving the wedding rings on the altar.

 

[Esto_Castus]

I’m really curious to know why member churches of the SBC bother to be under the umbrella of the SBC when the resolutions of said organization are non-binding to its member churches. If it’s non-binding then… what’s the point of resolutions? I’m really confused about that. It seems like the metaphorical equivilant of the UN passing resolutions on North Korea or Iraq. Nice and all, but ultimately they don’t do anything. (And NO, I’m not trying to make out any Baptist church as being an evil power like Korea or Iraq! )
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That’s probably way off topic, but it was posted here so I’m asking in the same thread.

Most SBC believers have the same questions…

In reference to the original question the best answers on the Baptist side is there is no such thing as a singular teaching. Baptists are indeed entities unto themselves for worse or for better and as such you could get 20 pastors in a room and could possibly get 20 different responses. My own response would be that divorce as discussed in scripture is forbidden accept in very specific situations (i.e. infidelity) but, I do not view that as a free out so to speak. If a couple can come back together in forgiveness and rebuild that relationship under God’s leading I that would be preferable. In todays world though the Word has not changed and God’s mind has not changed on the matter, I think that most pastors would support the divorce in many more circumstances: abuse, nonsupport etc. Reconciliation is always in my mind closer to God’s ideal, but we live in His grace as well and if a person so chooses I do not believe God reserves a special judgement for those folks. Again you may get different answers from every Baptist you speak to, the best advice is to search your scriptures on the subject and pray for the spirits leading and then review what you come up with to a believing friend or mentor…Idealy as a young believer in a Baptist church you would be part of a discipleship group.

God Bless

 

[ltwin]

I’m really curious to know why member churches of the SBC bother to be under the umbrella of the SBC when the resolutions of said organization are non-binding to its member churches. If it’s non-binding then… what’s the point of resolutions? I’m really confused about that. It seems like the metaphorical equivilant of the UN passing resolutions on North Korea or Iraq. Nice and all, but ultimately they don’t do anything. (And NO, I’m not trying to make out any Baptist church as being an evil power like Korea or Iraq! )
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That’s probably way off topic, but it was posted here so I’m asking in the same thread.

Baptists believe in congregational autonomy. This means that the local church is self governing under the lordship of Christ. Churches join local Baptist associations, state conventions, and the SBC so that they can come together for fellowship and cooperation in mission work and other things. However, the SBC does not see its role as being a hierarchy.

It issues resolutions and the The Baptist Faith and Message. These only speak for the SBC itself and its committees and agencies. Many churches will adopt the BF&M instead of a separate statement of faith, but they are not required to.

However, if a church departs from what the SBC considers essential to Baptist beliefs then it can be kicked out of the Convention.