ERLC clarifies events surrounding 'firing' debacle; says Leatherwood is a 'man of utmost moral and ethical integrity'
Statement seeks to address recent “destabilizing activity within the organization.”
The executive committee of the board of trustees for the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) has issued a statement addressing the recent “destabilizing activity within the organization” surrounding the termination and reinstatement of Brent Leatherwood, ERLC president.
The statement says the committee affirms its support for the ERLC staff and their faithfulness in fulfilling their assignment to their churches, stating “they will do everything in their power to ensure the organization’s work continues uninterrupted.”
“In reference to the events of the last 24 hours, we want to give clarity to how the situation unfolded. Then-board chair Kevin Smith acted without the approval of the executive committee of the trustees. There was no vote taken. His decision to unilaterally act was outside of his authority as board chair. As such, the termination was illegitimate, and thus there was not, as has been reported, a ‘reinstatement’ of Brent Leatherwood as president. He was never terminated,” the statement reads.
The committee acknowledged a wide range of opinions exists regarding the work of the ERLC, including a recent attempt to abolish it at the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting.
“The executive committee does not believe that this discontent rises to the level of a dismissable offense. Further, any insinuations that the events of the previous days are the result of a moral failing on Brent’s part are wholly false.”
The statement adds that Leatherwood “is a man of utmost moral and ethical integrity.”
After Smith acted without the approval of the executive committee, a press release was sent out by some ERLC staff members who believed they were acting under the authority of the board. The executive board issued a retraction of the previous press statement, acknowledging that it was not a duly authorized action of the board and that every action taken follows the appropriate procedures affirmed by Southern Baptists.
Smith has resigned his position as chair of the board and trustee for the ERLC, with vice chair Tony Beam taking over as chair. The other members of the executive committee include Amy Pettway, Anthony Cox, and Nathan Lugbill.
The statement said the board’s responsibility is to ensure that the ERLC can execute the task given to it by the messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention.