The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)—which believes that women should not be pastors—has pulled the September/October issue of Gospel Today magazine from the shelves of LifeWay Christian Stores nationwide because the cover featured female ministers.

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."

The magazine was still available from LifeWay stores, but it was only sold from behind the counter. "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 of Fayetteville, Ga.-based Gospel Today, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that she was "pretty shocked" when she discovered by e-mail that the latest issue of the magazine had been removed at LifeWay stores.

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