Baptist World Alliance Rescinds Invitations to Openly Gay Minister Over Marriage to Man

A Virginia-based Baptist group has reportedly forced an openly gay minister to resign from two of its commissions due to his marriage to a man. The Rev. TJ Williams-Hauger, an associate minister at Lake Street Church in Evanston, Ill., is affiliated with American Baptist Churches USA. His work includes collaboration with prominent figures such as Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Rev. Jeremiah Wright, as well as U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, who serves as senior pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Williams-Hauger has studied under Warnock and Rev. Otis Moss and earned his Master of Divinity from the New York Theological Seminary. He is also pursuing ordination within American Baptist Churches USA with the support of Judson Memorial Church in New York. His marriage to a man, which he has been open about since 2005, was celebrated at a wedding event involving Rev. Dr. Otis Moss and Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright.

Rev. Elijah Brown, the secretary general of the Baptist World Alliance, confirmed via email that Williams-Hauger’s invitation to serve on the Interfaith Relations and Racial Justice Commissions had been rescinded. In the email, Brown expressed gratitude for Williams-Hauger’s “prayerful attitude” and stated that the decision followed a phone conversation. He also offered prayers for Williams-Hauger’s well-being.

Williams-Hauger told the Washington Blade that Brown had previously assured him of his inclusion in the commissions. However, he claims Brown later decided to rescind the invitations after discovering his marriage to a man. Williams-Hauger alleges that Brown misrepresented the decision, stating it was made by the BWA’s Executive Committee rather than being a personal choice.

The Baptist World Alliance’s belief statement affirms “Christian marriage and family life” and upholds “the dignity of all people, male and female, because they are created in God’s image and called to be holy.” This statement reflects the organization’s stance on marriage and family, which appears to have influenced the decision regarding Williams-Hauger’s involvement.

The incident raises questions about the alignment of personal relationships with organizational values within Baptist groups. It also highlights the tension between individual identity and institutional doctrine, a theme echoed in Micah 6:8, which calls for people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Such moments challenge communities to reflect on how they uphold these principles in practice.

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