Introduction
In a surprising turn of events within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), Brent Leatherwood, the president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), was dismissed from his position just a day after he publicly praised President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from his reelection bid. This abrupt termination raises questions about the internal dynamics of the ERLC, the SBC’s stance on key issues, and the broader implications for the organization. This detailed analysis seeks to explore the circumstances surrounding Leatherwood’s departure, the criticisms he faced, and the implications for the ERLC and the SBC.
Brent Leatherwood’s Departure: The Facts
Leatherwood’s Public Praise and Its Consequences
On July 21, 2024, Leatherwood praised President Biden’s decision to end his reelection campaign, calling it a “selfless act” that placed the needs of the nation above personal ambition. This statement was featured in Baptist Press, an official publication of the SBC. Leatherwood’s commendation of Biden’s decision, particularly from a leader of an organization with traditional conservative values, did not sit well with some members of the SBC community.
The following day, on July 22, 2024, Leatherwood was removed from his position as president of the ERLC. The executive committee of the ERLC announced his dismissal, citing compliance with their bylaws but providing no specific reasons for the decision. The announcement mentioned that further details would be shared at the September board meeting. The abrupt nature of Leatherwood’s firing, especially following his public praise of Biden, has led to speculation about the motivations behind this move.
Lack of Transparency and Response
The lack of transparency regarding the reasons for Leatherwood’s termination has fueled further speculation. It remains unclear whether the full board of trustees was involved in or even consulted before the decision was made. Leatherwood himself did not comment publicly on his dismissal, leaving many questions unanswered about the circumstances leading to his exit.
The Criticisms Facing Leatherwood
Controversial Positions and Public Backlash
Leatherwood faced significant criticism from various quarters of the SBC, primarily due to his positions on several contentious issues. His stance on abortion, in particular, was a major point of contention. Leatherwood opposed legislation that would have imposed prison sentences on women who chose to have abortions. This position was viewed as contrary to the more stringent anti-abortion stance traditionally upheld by the SBC.
Additionally, Leatherwood’s call for gun law reforms following a tragic school shooting in Nashville in March 2023, where his own children were students, was met with resistance from conservative members of the SBC. His critique of the GOP’s decision to remove anti-abortion language from its platform further alienated him from some conservative factions within the convention.
The Reaction from SBC Critics
Tom Ascol, a prominent pastor and critic of Leatherwood, expressed his disapproval of Leatherwood’s leadership on multiple occasions. Ascol, known for his staunch conservative views, had previously called for the closure of the ERLC during the SBC’s annual meeting in June. His motion to dissolve the ERLC failed, but Ascol’s criticism of Leatherwood continued, particularly focusing on what he perceived as Leatherwood’s insufficiently conservative positions.
Ascol’s reaction to Leatherwood’s firing was mixed with a sense of vindication. He publicly endorsed the decision to remove Leatherwood, framing it as a “righteous act” in line with the values he believes should guide the SBC.
Reactions from the SBC Community
Reactions from Former ERLC Leaders
The news of Leatherwood’s firing elicited strong reactions from former ERLC leaders. Russell Moore, a previous president of the ERLC and current editor-in-chief at Christianity Today, expressed his shock and disappointment at the manner of Leatherwood’s dismissal. Moore described Leatherwood as a “good man and a good ERLC president,” suggesting that both Leatherwood and the SBC deserved better treatment than what he perceived as an unjust firing.
Moore also noted the unusual nature of the announcement coming solely from the ERLC’s executive committee rather than the full board of trustees, comparing it to a past incident involving Paige Patterson, who was dismissed from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary under similar circumstances.
The Broader Implications for the SBC
Leatherwood’s departure highlights ongoing tensions within the SBC regarding its direction and leadership. The ERLC, as the convention’s ethics and public policy arm, has been a focal point of controversy, especially regarding its positions on social and political issues. Leatherwood’s firing is the latest in a series of contentious leadership changes within the ERLC, following the resignations of his predecessors, Russell Moore and Richard Land.
Moore’s resignation in 2021 was marked by controversy related to his criticism of former President Donald Trump and his support for survivors of sexual abuse. Richard Land’s retirement was preceded by a plagiarism scandal. The pattern of leadership changes amid controversy suggests underlying conflicts within the SBC about its role and stance on various issues.
The Future of the ERLC and the SBC
Upcoming Transition and Leadership
The ERLC’s executive committee has indicated that details about the transition and the search for a new president will be provided at the September board meeting. The process of selecting a new leader will likely be scrutinized closely, given the recent controversies and the high stakes involved in shaping the direction of the ERLC and its influence within the SBC.
The Impact on SBC Policies and Direction
The firing of Brent Leatherwood is likely to have implications for the SBC’s policies and direction. The ERLC’s stance on key issues such as abortion, gun control, and political engagement will continue to be a point of contention within the convention. The selection of a new ERLC president will play a critical role in determining the future direction of the organization and its approach to these contentious issues.
The Role of Public Perception
Public perception of the SBC and its entities, including the ERLC, will be influenced by how the convention handles the aftermath of Leatherwood’s departure. The transparency of the decision-making process and the effectiveness of the new leadership in addressing internal conflicts and external criticisms will be closely watched by both SBC members and the broader public.
Conclusion
The unexpected dismissal of Brent Leatherwood from his position as president of the ERLC marks a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of the Southern Baptist Convention. The controversy surrounding Leatherwood’s firing, coupled with his criticisms and the responses from various stakeholders, underscores the complex and often contentious nature of leadership within the SBC.
As the ERLC navigates this period of transition, the broader implications for the SBC’s policies, direction, and public image will continue to unfold. The response to Leatherwood’s departure and the subsequent choices made by the convention will shape the future of the ERLC and its role within the Southern Baptist community.
