Brent Leatherwood, once lead of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), has been terminated following his praise of President Joe Biden.
Brent Leatherwood was dismissed mere hours after lauding Biden’s recent political decision, RNS reported.
Leatherwood’s removal came abruptly on July 22nd, the day after his public commendation of President Biden’s decision not to run for reelection. This action has sparked significant discourse among the members of the Southern Baptist community regarding its implications and underlying motivations.
The ERLC executive committee, responsible for Leatherwood’s removal, did not provide exhaustive details concerning their decision. An official communication stated, “By our bylaws, the executive committee has removed Brent Leatherwood as president.”
The timing of Leatherwood’s praise for Biden and his subsequent firing raises questions about the political and ethical considerations influencing the leadership of the ERLC. Leatherwood, who had been leading the Commission since September 2022, was known for his views slightly divergent from the typical stances held by many within the SBC, particularly concerning gun control and abortion.
Further discussing Brent Leatherwood’s commendation, he highlighted the rarity of such selfless acts in the current political climate. He stated, “We should all express our appreciation that President Biden has put the needs of the nation above his ambition... Despite what some partisans will say, to walk away from power is a selfless act — the kind that has become all too rare in our culture.”
Leatherwood’s comments came after a period of advocacy for more stringent gun laws, which solidified following a tragic shooting at a Nashville Christian school in March 2023. His stance likely contributed to existing tensions within segments of the SBC, where views on gun control vary widely.
Tom Ascol, a critic of Leatherwood and his policies, articulated a contrasting viewpoint. He referred to the firing as righteous, associating it with a necessary act of stewardship within the SBC’s leadership traditions.
On the other hand, Russell Moore, also a former president of the ERLC, criticized how Leatherwood was dismissed. Defending Leatherwood’s character and leadership, Moore expressed his disappointment: “Brent Leatherwood is a good man and a good ERLC president... He and his family are worthy of better than this. And so are Southern Baptists.”
Russell Moore strongly condemned the decision and its execution, stating, “This is disgraceful and shameful.” This sentiment reflects a divide within the Southern Baptist community over the interpretation of leadership and ethical governance.
Details of Leatherwood’s removal and any transitional plans are slated for discussion during the ERLC’s board meeting this coming September. What remains clear is that Leatherwood's firing adds him to the list of ERLC presidents whose tenures ended in controversy, marking him as the third consecutive leader to exit under contentious circumstances.
As this situation unfolds, the Southern Baptist Convention appears at a crossroads regarding its alignment with broader political actions and the internal governance of its associated organizations. The incident calls into question the balance between personal belief and organizational alignment in the highest echelons of religious leadership.
Brent Leatherwood’s firing from the ERLC, following his public support for President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection, showcases the tension within the Southern Baptist community over political and ethical conduct.
