In a twist of events leading to a furor in the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest group of its kind on American soil, the high-profile exit of President Biden from the presidential race stirred uneasiness. The 13 million-strong faction, crucial decision-makers in neck-and-neck elections, witnessed drastic administrative changes. Rev. Kevin Smith, long-serving chair of its influential Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, known for its policy influence in Washington, dramatically dismissed Brent Leatherwood from his president role.
Leatherwood, who long served as the president of the public-policy group, was initially seen to commemorate Biden’s decision to step down as a noble act. This, however, led to a rapid falling out, seeing the former president of the ERLC shown the exit door by Rev. Smith himself. A confusing statement followed on Monday afternoon, with a promise of more details in mid-September, where the ERLC board will convene in Nashville.
Leatherwood wasn’t just any member. He held influential positions, being a former Tennessee GOP executive director. His dismissal was speculated to have been initiated due to his comments that applauded Biden’s decision. Circulating these sentiments via the denomination’s news channels and elsewhere possibly cost him his position.
These happenings stand as a testament to the firm belief Leatherwood held about the benefits of Biden bowing out. He saw it as a nod to the leader’s understanding of his limitations and the political landscape of the country. However, he expressed deep worry about the prospect of a Kamala Harris-led administration, particularly for those who ardently advocate pro-life policies and uphold the biblical interpretation of marriage.
Leatherwood, a father of three whose children were enrolled at Nashville’s Covenant School in 2023, has a personal stake in matters of gun control. A tragic incident in which a former transgender student had shot and killed six people led him to back a legislative initiative in Tennessee that would disarm individuals posing a risk to themselves and others.
On the following day, the ERLC released a statement suggesting that the previous action taken by Smith to remove Leatherwood was done without the proper protocol followed, thus deeming the action void. Thus, Leatherwood, much to the surprise of many, retained his position as the ERLC Chief.
Looking back on the confusing events, Smith confessed to the denomination’s news agency, ‘Believing there was a consensus to remove Brent Leatherwood as the president of the ERLC, I hastily acted. This complex issue needed quick resolution, which led me to act in good faith, but without securing a formal vote from the Executive Committee. I acknowledge my mistake, and accept complete responsibility.’
As news of this public misstep made its rounds online, an apology posted by Smith on his Twitter was quickly deleted for unknown reasons. Meanwhile, Leatherwood took to his social media platform expressing his gratitude, ‘I am deeply touched by the support I’ve received, especially from our bewildered trustees who quickly rectified yesterday’s misstep.’
Attempts to reach Leatherwood for comments about the entire incident were futile, as an ERLC spokesperson confirmed that he was engaged in off-site meetings on Tuesday. Typically, such dramatic movements within a church’s public-policy committee might not rise to the level of broad attention, but the Southern Baptists have a distinct voice that still resonates powerfully within American Protestantism despite the group’s membership losses.
Over the years, Southern Baptists have seen a decrease in their numbers with a loss of roughly 3.3 million members from their high of 16.3 million members back in 2006. That said, their voice and influence are far from insignificant. This is particularly true in battleground states, such as Georgia.
According to the Pew Research Center, 15% of Georgia’s adult population identify as Southern Baptists, reinforcing their significance in these communities. Furthermore, their influence on public sentiment cannot be ignored, with a whopping 64% of Georgia’s adults stating that religion plays a very important role in their daily lives.
This incident is a stark reminder of the striking duality in US politics. While celebrating the exit of President Biden, interpreted by many as an act of humility, there’s a looming anxiety about a potential Kamala Harris era. This showcases a deeply entrenched fear among the population, especially among those who are committed advocates of pro-life policies and traditional marriage norms.
It also signifies that politics within large religious institutions such as the Southern Baptist Convention can never be underestimated, as it can greatly shape the public’s impression of political candidates. While Leatherwood was dismissed for expressing his opinions, the quick retraction by the organization suggests transparency and admission of impulsive decision-making, indicating the importance of following proper procedures.
The saga of the Southern Baptist Convention, Brent Leatherwood and Rev. Kevin Smith is an enlightening case study of the intersection of religion, politics and public opinion. While addressing nuances within their structural hierarchy, religious organizations like the Southern Baptists play a crucial role in shaping political narratives and steering the country’s religious adherents’ political leanings. Their power, while diminished, is still very real and consequential.
A Twisted Tale in the Southern Baptist Convention: Biden’s Exit and Leatherwood’s Dismissal appeared first on Real News Now.
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