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Southern Baptists leave alliance
Denomination cites unwanted liberal shift in vote to quit world group.

In a move that reflects the divisions within many religious denominations, Southern Baptists voted Tuesday during their annual meeting to withdraw from the more liberal Baptist World Alliance.

"The time has come when we must do this," said Paige Patterson, a member of the executive committee that recommended the withdrawal. "We have noted with sorrow in our hearts a continual leftward drift."...

...Lotz said the emphasis cited previously by the Southern Baptists for the withdrawal was anti-Americanism and theological differences. Patterson made a reference Tuesday to certain churches in the alliance being gay-friendly....