Samford, state convention relationship plans outlined

Samford, state convention relationship plans outlined

By Jennifer Davis Rash
The Alabama Baptist

Alabama Baptist State Convention (ABSC) and Samford University leaders stood together on the platform fielding questions and hearing emotional discourses borne out of broken hearts.

“All of our hearts are broken … but we are going to have to move on,” said state convention president John Thweatt.
The proposal in front of the State Board of Missions trustees was “how to have a collegial relationship with Samford going forward,” he said.

Thweatt delivered a report from the Samford Relationship Study Group that was formed following a conflict that arose when a student organization focused on discussing sexuality, specifically homosexuality, issues sought official recognition on campus.

Student group not recognized

In the end the group was not granted official recognition by Samford but the executive committee of Samford’s board of trustees voted in late June to withdraw from state convention funding beginning in 2018.

Samford president Andrew Westmoreland said the withdrawal was at his recommendation because “I knew that regardless of what we did at that point it was going to be a fight (and) I’m not going to do that.

“I’m going to support the work and not create disunity and division,” he said, noting he realizes the timing of the funding withdrawal has created confusion. “[It] does make it appear that Samford University is about to undergo some radical change on how we approach our reliance on Scripture and many other matters,” he said. “But I had to stop worrying about perception and rely on God’s Word.

“What we are doing here might serve as a model for others in the years ahead. I think we can do this (remain in friendly partnership) without the money. I’m willing to give everything that I have, God willing, to make sure that this process happens.”

Thweatt read through the seven-point report, which was approved with less than 10 votes in opposition.

The study group’s proposal now goes to convention messengers in November.

The recommendations keep communication channels open between ABSC and Samford.

Samford also will be invited to report at convention-related meetings. The SBOM executive director and convention president will be invited to Samford board meetings as guests of the president.

Partnership opportunities

SBOM will partner with Samford’s Ministry Training Institute as long as it makes sense to do so. Convention entities will continue partnering however they see fit and co-sponsored events will continue to be held on Samford’s campus.
Students currently receiving the A. Earl Potts and Board of Aid scholarships will continue receiving those until they graduate but no new scholarships will be granted.

Along with approving these recommendations, the State Board approved the 2018 state convention budget of $37 million, which reflects a $3 million reduction from the current year coinciding with the Samford withdrawal of $3,551,231.

A full report on the breakdown of the budget proposal and how it brings ABSC to its 50–50 parity with the SBC two years early will be in next week’s issue.