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 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.”
