Less than two months after the Southern Baptists’ policy arm issued an embarrassing retraction of an announcement of its leader’s firing, trustees for the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) have given their president, Brent Leatherwood, a strong vote of confidence. The trustees affirmed Leatherwood's leadership and the direction of the organization, emphasizing the importance of the ERLC's voice in the public square.
The trustees acknowledged that while the ERLC often addresses contentious issues where controversy is inevitable, they cautioned against stirring unnecessary controversy on nonessential matters. They recognized that support for the organization is wavering among individual churches, who fund almost all of its budget.
To address this issue, the commission plans to create a new office to work closely with pastors to help them better understand and guide the agency's work. The trustees emphasized the need for the ERLC to base its public stances on the Bible, the official faith statement, and resolutions approved by Southern Baptists at annual meetings.
The ERLC has been known for its staunchly conservative positions on religious and political issues, including opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Despite criticism from some within the convention who desire a more rightward shift, Leatherwood has resisted calls to support the criminalization of women seeking abortion.
In a recent incident, Leatherwood faced backlash for commending President Joe Biden for withdrawing from the presidential race after a poor debate performance. This led to calls for his removal, which were later retracted after it was revealed that proper procedures were not followed.
Leatherwood has acknowledged the need to address wavering support for the ERLC within the Southern Baptist community. He emphasized the importance of the agency's mission and work, aiming to better educate pastors and church members on its initiatives.
Recognizing the challenges of a divided culture and increasing partisanship, Leatherwood urged Baptists to respond with gentleness and reason, emphasizing the importance of combating mistruths and conspiracy theories.
The ERLC's efforts to engage with pastors, issue guidebooks on key issues, and provide resources on election polarization and gender topics reflect its commitment to navigating the complexities of the current cultural landscape.
