Nashville, Tennessee —
A church in the bible belt is making headlines after its decision to be more inclusive of gay members.
GracePointe Church, in Franklin, TN., which had previously denied homosexuals full membership privileges, has changed its stance.
Pastor Stan Mitchell announced the decision Jan. 11 during a powerful sermon.
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The pastor appeared emotional during the hour-long sermon, saying the decision came after years of difficult, sometimes painful, discussions and consideration.
“My soul has been stretched to the point that if I do not say what I say today, I cannot be here any longer,” Pastor Mitchell says.
Before, the position of the church was classically evangelical. Non-heterosexual people could be members, but they could not serve in leadership roles or lead worship.
WKRN-TV Nashville contributed to this story
