DALLAS (AP) - A more than century-old church in Fort Worth that welcomes gays has left the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
The break by Broadway Baptist Church of Fort Worth ends a relationship that began in 1886, when what became the state's largest Baptist group was formed.
Pastor Brent Beasley told The Dallas Morning News that the church is "committed to welcoming all people here" and would not want to do anything that would be hurtful to anyone just to please the BGCT.
Broadway in 2008 drew attention with its internal disputeover whether same-sex couples should be included in the church's photo directory. Leaders eventually decided to instead feature group pictures of all church members.
The Southern Baptist Convention, which along with BGCT believes homosexuality is a sin, cut ties with Broadway in 2009.
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