MAN OF GOD

Air Force Chaplain Leaves Southern Baptists Over Criticism Of Same-Sex Union

A U.S. Air Force chaplain has left the Southern Baptist Convention after being criticized for attending a same-sex civil union at his base in New Jersey.

Col. Timothy Wagoner, who will remain stationed at McGuire Air Force Base, says he was thrilled to be a witness on June 23, when Tech. Sgt. Erwynn Umali and Will Behrens made their commitment official.

“I find very little that is more important and nothing that is more exhilarating than providing for the religious freedoms and spiritual care of all service members and their families—and will joyfully continue to do so,” he told the AP.

Wagoner said it was never his intention to “embarrass or misrepresent the Southern Baptists,” though the outcry against him began almost immediately. As a result, he’s joining the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, which is more inclusive that the larger Southern Baptist denomination.

Even as we reported on another Southern Baptist pastor who wouldn’t marry a black couple because it would upset his parishioners, it’s heartening to hear that some clergy put what’s right before what’s popular.

Photos: Jeff Sheng, Holloman Air Force Base

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By: Dan Avery
On: Jul 29, 2012
Tagged: Don't Ask Don't Tell, Gays in the military, New Jersey, Religion, southern baptists, timothy wagoner

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7 Comments

No. 1 · happathy
that’s nice i like seeing things like this

Jul 30, 2012 at 12:35 am · @Reply ·
No. 2 · Billysees
He has expressed a mature attitude.

Jul 30, 2012 at 2:31 am · @Reply ·
No. 3 · Chuck
Good for him. People just need to stop going to these churches. Let them become as insignificant and hateful as the Westboro Baptist Church.

We should be supporting our more liberal minded religious friends, such as the Episcopals, Methodists, etc.

Jul 30, 2012 at 3:05 am · @Reply ·
No. 4 · Schlukitz
Good on the Air Force Chaplin.

He is a fine example of a kind and caring man who can embrace his religion and the rights of his LGBT brothers and sisters at the same time without conflict.

There should be more like him.

Jul 30, 2012 at 3:08 am · @Reply ·
No. 5 · Kurt
The Right Wing keep telling us military chaplains are having trouble with the end of DADT. Here is an example of a chaplain who if fine with the end of DADT, it is just outide pressure that is causing him troubles.

Jul 30, 2012 at 9:48 am · @Reply ·
No. 6 · Hyhybt
“it’s heartening to hear that some clergy put what’s right before what’s popular.”

The sad thing is, those on the other side are somehow convinced *they’re* the ones doing that.

Jul 30, 2012 at 3:10 pm · @Reply ·
No. 7 · Billysees
@Chuck: No 3

Paul wrote, “let your moderation be known to all”.

I think that’ll encourage your last sentence.

Jul 30, 2012 at 11:15 pm · @Reply ·