Southern Baptists expel Georgia church over racism claim

ALBANY, Ga. – Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention are expelling a Georgia church that was accused of racial discrimination.

The denomination’s media office tweeted Monday that members of the executive committee had voted to withdraw fellowship from Raleigh White Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.

The tweet says the church is being disassociated over “clear evidence” of racism. The church’s local association severed ties earlier this year.

A phone message left at the church wasn’t returned immediately.

News reports say the majority white Raleigh White Baptist agreed in 2015 to share its building with the majority black New Seasons Church, which outgrew it in size. Reports say Raleigh White members blocked members of the black church from entering one Sunday in March, prompting action.

Southern Baptists meet this week in Dallas.