A Pike County church now says everyone is welcome, regardless of race.
A week ago, the Gulnare Free Will Baptist Church voted nine to six to bar interracial couples from joining the church, though they would still be allowed to attend services. One church member said the vote was prompted by a visit last June from his daughter and her fiance, who is from Africa.
The church was criticized for its vote, in Pike County and around the nation. The pastor, Stacy Stepp, says the church can't pass bylaws in conflict with existing laws, including laws against discrimination. And on Sunday, the church passed a new resolution, welcoming people of every race.
