Story ‘clearly advocated a position contrary’ to Southern Baptist denomination’s statement of faith

LifeWay Christian Stores has defended a decision by the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) to pull a magazine endorsing women pastors from its shelves—a move that drew widespread media attention and criticism.

The September/October issue of Gospel Today was still available from LifeWay stores, but it was only sold from behind the counter.

LifeWay Christian Resources (LCR) Media Relations Manager Chris Turner told Christian Retailing that the cover story “clearly advocated a position contrary to our denomination’s statement of faith, the Baptist Faith & Message.”

“We certainly understand that some customers have different positions on the issues and do not agree with every point,” Turner said. “We also recognize that some customers like to read a variety of views on subjects such as these to stay engaged in the culture. For that reason, we have continued to make the magazine available upon request to accommodate those needs as best we could.”

Teresa Hairston, owner and publisher of Fayetteville, Ga.-based Gospel Today, told Christian Retailing that she was “appalled” when she discovered by e-mail that the issue of the magazine had been removed at LifeWay stores.

“I respect their right to their opinion,” she said. “Imagine doing a balanced story—which referenced SBC’s stand on the issue—and then having your journalistic effort censored in the name of religious bias. How wacky is that?

“I think it’s ironic and hypocritical that the Southern Baptist Convention has endorsed the Republican ticket of John McCain and Sarah Palin,” Hairston added. “If a woman can lead the country, she should certainly be able to lead a local church.”

A CNN commentator was among those who publicly criticized the decision. “Lifeway clearly has no respect for freedom of the press,” said nationally syndicated columnist Roland S. Martin. “Here is arguably the top Christian bookstore in the country making a decision based on their teachings and applying it to a magazine.”

A division of the SBC, LCR runs the 153-location LifeWay chain.