Open letter to Alabama Baptists from state reps serving on the SBC Executive Committee
Editor’s Note — Alabama had five representatives serving on the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee prior to the Sept. 20–21 meeting in Nashville. Between the September meeting and the Oct. 5 meeting, two members from Alabama resigned — Paul Hicks and Melissa Golden. Following the EC’s vote during the Oct. 5 meeting to waive attorney-client privilege, one additional member resigned — Phyllis Ingram. The two remaining members — Neal Hughes and Tim Cox — shared the following response to Alabama Baptists.
We want to thank our beloved Alabama Baptist family for praying for the SBC Executive Committee over the past several weeks. We who make our home the Yellowhammer State have done our best to hear the messengers’ hearts.
In the end, the decision did not come easily, but the SBC churches and the messengers from the June 15 meeting would say that the EC fulfilled their duty ad interim for the SBC annual meeting in making an informed decision.
Many of you honored the Lord and us with your prayers and encouragement. Even though some may have disagreed with our decisions, you expressed your thoughts with kindness, transparency and respect. You gave us the benefit of the doubt of collective years of service and faithfully trusted us to do the right thing in the right way. You understood the underlying biblical principle and Baptist heritage that “we don’t have to be twins to be brothers and sisters.”
In truth, all 86 of us wanted to do right by the survivors of sexual abuse. Sadly, the vote did not come without several casualties. We ask for your continued prayers as we move forward with the decision made today. In the days to come, all Southern Baptists should look forward to learning more about how to make our churches safer places for gospel advancement.
As we now prepare to move forward, may our “God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5–6, NIV).
Sincerely,
Your Alabama Baptist Representatives to the SBC Executive Committee — Neal Hughes and Tim Cox
Motion adopted by the EC
Following a 3 1/2-hour meeting Oct 5, its second special-called meeting, the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee voted 44 to 31 to waive attorney-client privilege in the coming investigation by Guidepost Solutions.
The motion by Jared Wellman of Texas reads:
“I would like to make a motion that represents the will of the messengers of a selective waiver that includes an investigation into any allegations of abuse, mishandling of abuse, mistreatment of victims, a pattern of intimidation of victims or advocates, and resistance to sexual abuse reform initiatives of the actions and decisions of staff and members of the Executive Committee from January 1, 2000, to June 14, 2021.
“I move that the Executive Committee authorize our Chairman to execute the contract with Guidepost that we received on October 1, 2021, which includes waiver of attorney-client privilege in accordance with the action of the messengers to the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention.”
It’s time to know for sure where we have fallen short on the question of sexual abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention, so that we can correct any errors and move into the future as a convention, that’s the most safe for our most vulnerable members.
Chairman Rolland Slade
SBC Executive Committee
Sexual abuse is antithetical to the gospel of Christ. It has no place in the Southern Baptist Convention. And it is my prayer that all Southern Baptists will remain resolute in our commitment to preventing abuse, caring for survivors, and taking whatever steps are necessary to implement reforms.
SBC President Ed Litton
We thank all of the trustees for their diligence in addressing complex questions brought to bear by this process.
Ronnie Floyd
President and CEO
SBC Executive Committee
The task force is pleased with the strong vote today (Oct. 5) by the Executive Committee to abide by the moral imperative directed by the messengers, seminary presidents, state leaders and many, many more.
Pastor Bruce Frank
Chair, SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force
Find refuge in the ‘Rock of Escape’
Yellowstone National Park is an active volcano. Witness the 10,000 thermal features — geysers, mud pots, hot springs and steam vents.
Never step on the crusty surface in those areas unless you want to be boiled alive in the hot tub below.
Scientists assure visitors that a future eruption lies years in the distance. Tourists trek on boardwalks just above the fire-breathing ground. Hint: Hold your nose.
The sulfur smell may sicken you. A slip and fall may land you on the burning, fragile ground. Not good. The underworld can bubble up at any time since the landscape changes constantly.
David found himself on dangerous ground.
Saul pursued the shepherd general because the king thought, mistakenly, that David meant harm. David hid in the desolate wilderness of Ziph. Some ne’er-do-wells reported David’s whereabouts to Saul.
The king set out to track David down. The pesky Philistines went on a rampage before Saul captured his prey. He abandoned the pursuit and hurried to engage the Philistines.
David breathed a sigh or relief. The place received the name “Rock of Escape” (1 Sam. 23:28).
Have you found yourself on the unsteady terrain of grief, marriage troubles, retirement, looming deadlines?
Humans tend to seek escape with medication, alcohol, denial or even suicide. No escape there. All create more problems than solutions.
Reach out for the Lord’s hand and be lifted to the Rock of Escape. Find stability there.
Darryl Wood
“A Personal Word from a Retread Pastor” blog via Facebook
We will never stop protecting life and working towards a day when abortion is unthinkable and unnecessary.
Elizabeth Graham
Vice president of operations and life initiatives, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission
If I believe that Jesus saved a wretched sinner such as myself, then I believe He can save a church arsonist from their sins as well. Would you join me in praying for this person by name? Pray the Lord would open their heart to the transformative power of the gospel.
Pastor Mark Bethea
FBC Montgomery
Bad evangelism says: I’m right, you’re wrong, and I would love to tell you about it.
Good evangelism says: Tell me the God you don’t believe in, I probably don’t believe in that God either.
Tim Keller
Pastor and author
There are a lot of things Southern Baptists have in common. A steadfast love for Christ, a commitment to the Great Commission and Southern Baptists love their missionaries.
Kevin Ezell, president
North American Mission Board
We cannot slow down. We cannot be distracted. We cannot be divided. We must not be deterred. The vision of heaven is not yet fulfilled. The nations are waiting. We still have work to do.
Paul Chitwood, president
International Mission Board
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Southern Baptists for advancing His kingdom through their intercession and sacrificial gifts to His Great Commission.
Sandy Wisdom-Martin
Executive director-treasurer
National WMU
The local and global reach of every gift [through the SBC Cooperative Program] is a testimony to the strong cooperative spirit of every church. The churches of the SBC have demonstrated obedient resolve and have trusted God with their resources.
Willie McLaurin
Vice president for Great Commission relations and mobilization
SBC Executive Committee
From the Twitterverse
@bigvox
I recall growing up in the “Bible Belt” and just about everyone attended church but not many of them if any were devout. Today fewer people attend church but more of them seem to be devout. Matt 7:13–14
@ethicist
The secret to deep peace and lasting joy is to humble yourself under the authority of the Bible.
@SEBTS
“When it comes to the gospel, there’s no element of the gospel that’s not infused with God’s grace.” —@rscott_pace #SEchapel
@JaredcWellman
When it comes to decision-making in Christian organizations (and in everything, for that matter): biblical principles > legalese
@DrLoritts
In my younger days when I encountered racial injustice among white evangelicals I had to fight against unrighteous anger. The older I get now the fight is against apathy. Something in you says, “Of course they’d say/do that.” #PrayForMe
@Clayton_king
Don’t follow leaders who need to be constantly applauded and adored.
Don’t follow leaders who use people to build their brand and platform.
Don’t follow leaders with charisma but no character.
Don’t follow leaders who don’t practice what they preach.
@PastorJFC
Without a strategy for saying no, you default to yes, and your life vaporizes with other people’s priorities being realized rather than yours. —@cnieuwhof
@DianeLangberg
Jesus’ strongest words were for those religious leaders who used the words of God to crush and destroy humanity.
@Johnbmann
Three core values to remember about others:
Created — every person is created in the image of God and should be treated with respect.
Broken — every person is broken by sin and needs to be loved.
Gifted — every believer is gifted by the Spirit and needs to serve.
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