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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

ERLC board provides explanation on Leatherwood

By Staff NASHVILLE —The executive committee of the board of trustees for the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention has released a statement of clarity related to ERLC President Brent Leatherwood: “As the executive committee of the trustees of the ERLC, we take seriously the obligation given to us to ensure the execution of the ministry assignment of this institution that’s over 100 years old. In recent days, we have failed to fulfill that trust in ways that ensure the stability of this organization. Over the past 24 hours, we have experienced a flurry of activity which has been destabilizing. To that end, it is incumbent on us to clearly address concerns. “At the outset, we wish to affirm our support for the ERLC staff and their faithfulness in fulfilling their assignment to our churches. This board stands behind the staff and will do everything in its power to ensure that the work of the organization—protecting a culture of life, championing God’s good design for marriage and sexuality, and defending a free church in a free state–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 … [Read more...]

REVERSAL: Leatherwood remains as ERLC president, trustee chair resigns

By Baptist Message staff NASHVILLE (LBM) – Less than a day after Brent Leatherwood reportedly was relieved of his duties as president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, trustees announced that he remains in the position, July 23. Additionally, Kevin Smith has resigned as chair of the ERLC’s executive committee. According to a news release from the entity, “There was not an authorized meeting, vote, or action taken by the Executive Committee. Kevin Smith has resigned as Chair of the Executive Committee. Brent Leatherwood remains the President of the ERLC and has our support moving forward.” On Monday evening, the ERLC’s executive committee of the board of trustees had announced that Leatherwood was removed from his position. Though no reason was given at the time, Leatherwood’s statement to Baptist Press regarding President Joe Biden’s decision not to run for re-election sparked backlash by some in the SBC. In the article, Leatherwood said: “We should all express our appreciation that President Biden has put the needs of the nation above his personal 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.” After … [Read more...]

41 inmates ‘set free’ behind bars in Bossier Parish

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer BOSSIER CITY, La. (LBM) — Cedric Davis entered Bossier Parish Maximum Facility in April, but just two months later the 45-year-old, convicted for simple burglary, gained a permanent reprieve from a spiritual death sentence. “Satan left and Jesus entered into my body,” an ecstatic Davis told the Baptist Message. Davis responded to a Gospel invitation offered by Kyle Williams, a Louisiana Baptist evangelist from Sarepta and a religious volunteer at the prison. Davis was among 41 inmates who made decisions to follow Christ during a jail visit by a team of 25, June 29. Throughout the morning, the volunteers visited various dormitories to pray and share the Gospel with inmates. Williams (a member of Willow Point Baptist Church, Shreveport) and other local ministers will follow up with the 41 inmates and disciple them during weekly visits. “These men that made decisions are no longer bound by sin and have been forgiven of all unrighteousness,” said Williams, who has visited inmates inside the prison since 2010. “For the believer, leading someone to Christ is the pinnacle. It doesn’t get any better this side of Heaven. What a blessing to see men cross over from death to … [Read more...]

ERLC removes Leatherwood as president

By Baptist Message staff NASHVILLE (LBM) – Brent Leatherwood was removed as president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, July 22. In a statement released on its website, the ERLC said more information would be released during its meeting, Sept. 10-11 in Nashville. “In accordance with our bylaws, the executive committee has removed Brent Leatherwood as president,” the statement from the executive committee of the board of trustees said. “Further details, as well as plans for the transition, will be provided at our September board meeting. Until then, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees will assume directional responsibility for carrying out the ministry assignments for the ERLC.” Leatherwood had worked since 2017 for the ERLC, including president since 2022. Before coming to the entity, he served as executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party from 2012-2016. The announcement came a day after a statement provided by Leatherwood to Baptist Press regarding President Joe Biden’s decision not to run for re-election sparked backlash by some in the SBC. In the article, Leatherwood said: “We should all express our appreciation that President Biden has … [Read more...]

FRC to host in-person audience for filming of ‘God and government’ course, July 26-27

By staff BATON ROUGE, La. – The Family Research Council will film a pilot video series “God & Government” before an exclusive in-person audience, July 26-27. Held at the organization’s Faith & Freedom Chapel, the training will focus on such areas as a biblical view on government, the Christian history of the United States, biblical economics and poverty, decision-making and the godly government leader, and communicating truth in a post-Christian culture. According to the FRC event flier, the course is a product of more than three decades of studying government and scripture combined with the personal political and policy experience of the organization’s president, Tony Perkins. Some past participants eventually served on school boards, city councils, state legislatures and the US Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, a member of Cypress Baptist Church, Benton. The event will include general sessions, question and answer times and meals. Registration for the event begins at 1 p.m. July 26, with the first session set to kick off at 2 p.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. July 27. For more information, call 800.225.4008.   … [Read more...]