Washington Post reports:
Calvary Baptist Church, a progressive Baptist landmark in the heart of downtown Washington, has named a gay couple as co-pastors.
Sally Sarratt and Maria Swearingen were presented to the congregation during worship services Jan. 8 and are set to begin their new jobs Feb. 26.
A spokeswoman for the congregation said she didn’t know whether a gay couple leading a church was a first for Baptists.
“We look for the best people in the world and that’s who they were,” said Carol Blythe. “We’re very excited.”
The 155-year-old church severed ties with the Southern Baptist Convention in 2012: It was at loggerheads with the group on several issues, including the SBC’s stance against homosexuality. Calvary Baptist still affiliates with American Baptist Churches USA.