Black Gay Clergy Ousted From Baptist World Alliance Commission

Baptist World Alliance has ousted an openly gay Black faith from its Interfaith Relations and Racial Justice Commission after adopting a resolution declaring marriage between a man and woman.

Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Elijah Brown demanded that T.J. Williams-Hauger resign via email. Brown asked Williams-Hauger to leave the commission, citing the resolution voluntarily. Williams-Hauger refused and asked Brown to expel him. Brown granted Williams-Hauger’s request.

“Thank you for your prayerful attitude. Following our phone conversation yesterday, this email confirms that the invitation from BWA [Baptist World Alliance] for you to serve on Commissions is rescinded. Please know that I am praying for you,” Brown wrote in an email to Williams-Hauger.

Williams-Hauger has served on the commission without incident for three years. That changed when he informed BWA his husband, Brad, would accompany him to its annual meeting in Stavanger, Norway, which the European Baptist Federation is hosting. Williams-Hauger lamented the situation.

“I am sad that this decision was made not just for myself but for so many Black and queer folks who bring the stories of our ancestors with us, the stories of our ancestors who were impacted by colonization and racial injustice. BWA is a global body needed in our world,” he said.