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Madison pastor pushes back on Southern Baptist Convention's resolution on marriage and gender

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Local push back on Southern Baptist Conventions resolution on marriage and gender

MADISON (WKOW) − A new resolution from the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is drawing attention from faith leaders across the country, including one here in Madison who says the resolution doesn’t speak for all Baptists.

First Baptist Church of Madison

Inside of First Baptist Church of Madison, the only home to Wisconsin's only Welcoming and Affirming Baptist congregation. 

That resolution urges the overturning of Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage. The SBC also voted to oppose legal recognition of transgender people.

But Reverend Tim Schaefer says the beliefs expressed in that resolution don’t reflect the values of his congregation.

Schaefer serves as pastor of First Baptist Church of Madison, a progressive congregation that identifies as LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive. The church is the only one in Wisconsin affiliated with the Association of Welcoming and Affirming congregations.

He says his church sees scripture through a different lens... one that prioritizes love and inclusion.

"I myself am openly gay,” Schaefer says. “And there are a few of us who are Baptist clergy who are openly gay or trans. So I wanted to make sure the message went out there that says, ‘Hey, we’re Baptist too. You don’t speak for our faith.'" 

Their stance is rooted in the belief that every person is created in the image of God.

Schaefer explained, there are clever passages that, in his opinion, are misinterpreted to harm folks. He continued to say there are also a number of passages that he thinks are often ignored. One example he gave was, "love your neighbor" which is mentioned 20 to 30 times, is something that's difficult, and people need a constant reminder. 

In a written statement, First Baptist Church said it will continue to advocate for laws that protect the rights and dignity of all people. 

Reporter/MMJ

Renee Aldana joined the 27 News team in April 2025 as a multimedia journalist after graduating from Michigan State University. At MSU, she built her skills through freelance work and internships with NBC, FOX Sports, ESPN, NASCAR and Big Ten Network, including a prestigious NBC Sports internship during the 2024 Summer Olympics.

A Southern California native, Renee enjoys covering college sports and chasing stories with a camera in hand. She is excited to call Madison home and, when she's not reporting, you'll likely find her at hot yoga, out on a run, or hanging out near the water.

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