Australian Baptist leaders distanced themselves from comments supporting gay marriage made by a pastor on national television.

Nathan Nettleton, pastor of South Yarra Community Baptist Church in Melbourne, said in a panel discussion July 10 on Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Compass program that he supports marriage equality for same-sex couples.

“For myself I actually support it and would be willing to conduct a same-sex wedding were such things allowed,” Nettleton said.

Australian Baptist Ministries, also known as the Baptist Union of Australia, responded with a statement that Nettleton’s views are not shared by an overwhelming majority of Baptists in Australia and around the world.

“It is regrettable that Mr. Nettleton failed to consult with Australian Baptist leaders before expressing his personal views about same-sex marriage on national television,” said John Beasy, president of Australian Baptist Ministries.

For the full statement, click here

For the relevant episode of Compass, click here