...An agency of the Southern Baptist Convention has severed ties with the D.C. Baptist Convention of Washington, D.C. The move comes after years of differences between the two groups in theology, stewardship, and partnership. Last fall, the SBC’s North American Mission Board sent a letter to the D.C. Convention demanding greater adherence to the national organization’s positions on abortion,  homosexuality, and female pastors. The SBC also asked the D.C. group to stop joining cultural festivals that include non-Christian religious organizations -- and to stop criticizing the National Convention in its newsletter. At a meeting in March, officials with the D.C. Convention rejected the SBC’s demands, calling them an ultimatum. The decision to cut ties means the D.C. Convention will face a shortfall of $475,000 annually. The D.C. Convention is made up of about 140 Baptist congregations in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.