Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Network breaking away from the Baptist Union?
No. This is a pastoral response to an urgent need, not a separatist movement. We do not seek membership of BUGB or to break away from it. We hope to remain part of the wider Baptist family in Britain and to explore a different kind of relationship with the Union.
Can a church covenant with the Network and stay in BUGB?
Yes. For churches, this is not an either/or. Covenanting with the Network is intended to be held alongside existing BUGB membership, not instead of it. We do not seek to undermine any church’s place in the Union.
Who is
Endorsement for?
Endorsement is for Baptist ministers who are, or may become, unable to hold BUGB accreditation because they are in a same-sex relationship or marriage. In these early stages we are giving priority to current BUGB ministers impacted by the rules, and to LGBTQ+ students leaving college who wish to continue their ministry within the Baptist family.
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How does endorsement work?
Our framework is deliberately simple, relational and able to grow with experience. Endorsement affirms a minister’s call, is tied to an active ministry role, and is renewable on a time-limited basis. It carries clear expectations around continuing ministerial development, safeguarding training and DBS checks. We recognise that ministers in same-sex marriages who covenant with the Network would not be accredited ministers of BUGB.
What about the BU pension scheme?
We anticipate that endorsed ministers and their churches would continue to access the Baptist Union pension scheme, consistent with the existing provision for unaccredited ministers serving in Baptist churches.
What does the Network believe?
Our primary orientation is to Christ. Our covenant begins with the Baptist Union’s Declaration of Principle and the Five Core Values for a Gospel People, reflecting our continuity with the shared Baptist heritage. We commit to walk together: open to God, open to one another, and open to God’s world, honouring both genuine inclusion and the freedom of conscience of every believer and every local church.