SBC Voices

A Black Man at the Southern Baptist Convention #SBC21 (by Erik Vance)

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This week will be an experience that I will remember all of the days of my life. Being a black man from the South, and attending a historically black seminary, at Morehouse School of Religion at the Interdenominational Theological Center, learning Baptist Polity was a part of the curriculum. During my studies we learned about the National Baptist, Progressive Baptist, American Baptist and Southern Baptist conventions. When it came up, the SBC was always a frowned upon in the academy – and rightfully so. In the African American community, the SBC is viewed in a way that’s disparaging. … [Read more...] about A Black Man at the Southern Baptist Convention #SBC21 (by Erik Vance)

The Hurricane Winds Die Down – Dave Goes Dark

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I have so many things I would like to say. I came into this week completely bumfuzzled about what would happen and everyone I talked to said the same. What a wild week it was. Almost everything we hoped would happen has happened. Ed Litton got elected. Hallelujah.  The EC Business and Financial Plan was defeated almost unanimously.  The Gaines/Parrott motion to investigate the EC's shameful history on sexual abuse passes nearly unanimously as did Todd's motion which went to the ERLC. The light is about to shine on shameful deeds of darkness. With a couple of exceptions,  we couldn't be … [Read more...] about The Hurricane Winds Die Down – Dave Goes Dark

Haven’t We Had Enough of “Gotcha” Discernment?

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The theological vultures didn't wait long after Ed Litton's election to start their attacks. One messenger asked Dr. Mohler to opine on the wording of the doctrinal statement of Litton's church. There is some theologically imprecise language in the statement and instead of contacting Ed or the church to clarify their position (which is solidly Trinitarian). He chose to ask the question in such a way as to cast aspersions on the character and theological fidelity of this good man. Do we not get tired of this? Where is charity and grace? Why not believe the best? Why play the gotcha … [Read more...] about Haven’t We Had Enough of “Gotcha” Discernment?

Dr. Yeats Edges Adam Blosser for Recording Secretary

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Congratulations to Dr. Yeats. Adam garnered 46% of the vote against a powerhouse SBC leader, even after one of the oddest series of events I have seen in an election. Last night, while I was giving my speech, the parliamentarians suddenly decided that quorum did not exist. They decided to vote this morning without allowing us to make our case for Adam to those who would vote. Still,  Adam only lost by around 600 votes. I believe if we had been allowed to make our case to voting messengers we might well have seen a very different outcome. We had two people planning to request that … [Read more...] about Dr. Yeats Edges Adam Blosser for Recording Secretary

Why the referral of the sexual abuse audit to the ERLC is a good thing — explaining the process and the rationale

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Before I made the motion this morning, I shared the strategy and language of the motion to a few key survivors and advocates including Christa Brown and Rachael Denhollander. I otherwise kept both the strategy and the motion private so as to prevent bad actors in the Convention from strategizing against it. Because I did that, many survivors believed that the motion would come to a vote. Although I knew that it would not, I did not correct that understanding, because to do so would have revealed the strategy and leave it vulnerable to potential foul play. The ultimate goal is not an … [Read more...] about Why the referral of the sexual abuse audit to the ERLC is a good thing — explaining the process and the rationale

The SBC Executive Committee Needs Change. Here’s Why We Should Elect Adam Blosser Tomorrow Morning. #SBC21

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In a bizarre parliamentary situation, the nomination speeches for SBC Recording Secretary were given near the end of the business session this evening, but the vote will not take place until tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Messengers tomorrow may not get to hear the speeches again. We think it's important for you to hear why a vote for Adam Blosser is a vote for change at the SBC Executive Committee. Full Speech Text Southern Baptists have come to realize how desperately the Executive Committee needs to change, and it is my pleasure to nominate Adam Blosser as Recording Secretary today as … [Read more...] about The SBC Executive Committee Needs Change. Here’s Why We Should Elect Adam Blosser Tomorrow Morning. #SBC21

Resolutions Report, Part ONE

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Resolution 1: James Merritt moves Resolution 1. Baptist unity and maintaining our public witness. An amendment adding the word secondary to the second resolved section. Amendment failed. Nit-picking wordsmithing is now happening. Passed by about 99% Resolution 2: on the Sufficiency of Scripture for Race and Racial reconciliation Again, this is a biblical and unifying resolution and those who want to fight are not willing to have peace. James Merritt is answering strongly. Resolution passes by perhaps 2/3.       … [Read more...] about Resolutions Report, Part ONE

Nominations for President

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H.B Charles is nominating Dr. Mohler. Emphasizing Mohler's CR fidelity and Baptist Heritage. Dean Haun (?) is nominating Mike Stone.  Emphasizing "Pastor Mike Stone." David and Goliath references. Authority and sufficiency of Scripture. Fred Luter is nominating Ed Litton.  Bold, but kind leadership. "Take it from Fred, vote for Ed." Mary Habila (?) is nominating Randy Adams. Giving Randy's talking points. Transparency. Accountability. Participation. Currently,  there are 15,678 registered messengers. … [Read more...] about Nominations for President