The Baptist Churches of New Zealand have further distanced themselves from Logan Robertson, who they say is not an ordained pastor, but have also added "prayers are needed for his wellbeing" as he has had a recent history of mental illness. “The Baptist Churches of NZ are in no way connected with or affirm in any way the comments made by the self-proclaimed pastor, Logan Robertson of Westside Bible Baptist Church,” the group says in a new statement. “The NZ Baptist Union of Churches are appalled by the comments of hatred and evil made by pastor Robertson towards the gay community.” It explains the "Baptist" name is not a franchise, but can be taken by any group or person who wishes to use this longstanding name to identify themselves. “In the case of Pastor Logan Robertson, he is not an ordained or registered pastor of any denomination. He does not have a congregation or a church building or meeting space. He has established a church website thereby claiming to be a church. Therefore his desire to call himself a pastor is entirely fraudulent.” Logan Robertson is not an ordained or registered pastor of any denomination, the union says. The union says it can’t take responsibility for Mr Robertson's actions. “Yet we are deeply disturbed by any pain that Mr Robertson has caused the gay community. Equally the NZ Baptist churches have been demeaned by his vitriol, leaving many of our Baptist church members and pastors wrongly implicated by Robertson's actions.” The group says it understands Robertson has had a recent history of mental illness. “For this reason we need to pray for his wellbeing to see him get through the difficulties he has brought upon himself and his family.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 9th December 2014 - 8:20pm