Less than two months after the embarrassing retraction of a statement announcing the firing of the Southern Baptists’ Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission leader, Brent Leatherwood received a vote of confidence from the trustees, accompanied by a warning to avoid unnecessary controversies. The trustees expressed strong support for Leatherwood and the organization’s direction during a closed-door session, emphasizing the importance of the ERLC’s voice in contentious issues without inciting additional disputes.
Acknowledging wavering support from individual churches, who largely fund the organization, the trustees endorsed the commission’s initiative to establish a new office aimed at collaborating more closely with pastors to enhance their understanding and involvement with the agency’s work.
Despite the ERLC’s conservative stance on religious and political matters, including its opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, criticism has arisen from a faction within the convention advocating for a more conservative direction and accusing the commission of leaning leftward.
Leatherwood, who has resisted endorsing the criminalization of abortion and supported various positions, faced backlash for praising President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race following a poor debate performance. This incident led to an attempted ousting by the commission’s chairman, Kevin Smith, which was later retracted due to procedural errors.
In response to challenges to the ERLC’s mission, Leatherwood emphasized the need for clarity and understanding among church members about the agency’s work. He underlined the importance of addressing societal divisions, misinformation, and conspiracies with patience and rationality.
Advocating for a measured approach in a polarized culture, Leatherwood highlighted the ERLC’s efforts to engage pastors, produce educational materials on critical issues, and provide guidance on election-related matters. He encouraged Baptists to combat partisanship with compassion and logic, emphasizing the need for a more constructive dialogue in today’s challenging environment.
