DALLAS (BP) – Though markets are uneasy, a financial analyst with GuideStone Financial Resources urges calm. The confluence of high inflation, a weak labor report and the unwinding of a carry trade with roots in Japan has caused financial markets in the United State and around the world to shudder. “The Federal Reserve’s mandate is price stability and full employment,” said Josh Chastant, portfolio manager for GuideStone. Last week’s poor jobs report caused concerns that consumers’ … [Read more...]
ERLC executive committee releases statement on leadership confusion
NASHVILLE (BP) – Members of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission’s executive committee acknowledged on July 23 that the events of the previous 24 hours brought confusion and frustration as conflicting press releases tried to clarify that Brent Leatherwood is still at the helm of the SBC entity. “We know that these events have shaken trust in the executive committee, the trustee board, and the organization especially. It is imperative that we commit ourselves as trustees to … [Read more...]
UPDATE: Leatherwood to remain ERLC president; ERLC board chairman resigns
NASHVILLE (BP) – Brent Leatherwood remains president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. ERLC executive board members say board Chairman Kevin Smith acted alone in an announcement of Leatherwood’s removal on July 22 and violated the entity’s bylaws. A early morning release from the ERLC executive committee says: “As members of the ERLC’s Executive Committee, we formally retract the press release which was sent yesterday. “There was not an authorized meeting, vote, or … [Read more...]
LGBT public policy shift appears to be in full swing across U.S.
NASHVILLE (BP) – A political shift in LGBT policy is evident across the country this week. Legislation passed in California July 15 gives public schools the ability to conceal when students change their names and pronouns. On the same day, the Republican National Convention passed a platform that was stripped of “anti-LBGT” language, policy leaders say. The California legislation, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom July 15, prohibits school districts from requiring teachers to inform parents … [Read more...]
Southern Baptist leaders respond to RNC’s potential pro-life public policy shift
MILWAUKEE (BP) – A release of the Republican National Convention’s (RNC) platform reveals a potential shift in the party’s focus on a federal abortion ban. The announcement came hours after the RNC’s platform committee met on Monday morning, July 8. “We proudly stand for families and life. We believe that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees that no person can be denied life or liberty without due process and that the states are, therefore, free to pass … [Read more...]
Supreme Court sends Idaho abortion case back to Circuit Court
WASHINGTON (BP) – In a 5-4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) sent the case of Idaho and Moyle v. U.S. back to the Ninth Circuit Court in a ruling released, June 27. The case involves a conflict between state law and the Biden Administration’s use of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). “At the heart of the case is the wild assertion by the Biden Administration that abortion is healthcare. Instead of dismantling that argument and protecting lives, the Court … [Read more...]
Resolutions Committee releases preliminary drafts to be considered at SBC annual meeting
INDIANAPOLIS (BP) – The resolutions to be presented at the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting are available in a preliminary form. This marks the earliest release date in recent history. Committee chair Kristen Ferguson is thankful for the prayer support the group has received. “Working from the Word of God as our inerrant authority and the Baptist Faith and Message as our confession, these resolutions represent what we believe to be Southern Baptist resolve on emerging and urgent topics of our … [Read more...]
SBC leaders call for prayer, support for Israel in light of Iranian attacks
NASHVILLE (BP) – Southern Baptist leaders are calling for prayer and peace in the wake of Iran’s direct attacks on Israel. The attacks occurred overnight Saturday Jerusalem time (April 13) as hundreds of drones and rockets were launched in retaliation for a strike Israel made April 1 against an Iranian consulate. Israeli defense forces claim that 99 percent of the drones and rockets were destroyed by their Iron Dome defense system before impacting targets. U.S. President Joe Biden … [Read more...]
Iorg’s goal for EC is service, he says at press conference
DALLAS (BP) – Jeff Iorg aims to help the SBC Executive Committee regain the trust of Southern Baptists, he said at a press conference following his election as president-elect of the EC on Thursday (March 21) in a special called EC meeting. Iorg pointed to two ways trust is earned – sacrificial service and demonstrated competence. “My role at the Executive Committee is to lead us to be a sacrificial servant of Southern Baptists, fulfilling the role we’ve been assigned and to do that … [Read more...]
Jeff Iorg elected to lead SBC Executive Committee
DALLAS (BP) – Jeff Iorg will become the eighth leader of the SBC Executive Committee. Iorg received a unanimous vote from 60 EC members at a special-called EC meeting today (March 21). Iorg, 65, will serve as president-elect until his tenure as president of Gateway Seminary officially concludes with graduation on May 11. His first official day as EC president/CEO will be May 13. “Today’s unanimous vote marks a significant turning point for the SBC Executive Committee and the SBC as a … [Read more...]
Department of Justice concludes Executive Committee investigation; ‘no further action’
NASHVILLE (BP) – The U.S. Department of Justice has concluded its investigation of the SBC Executive Committee, Southern Baptist leaders learned Feb. 29. In a statement today, Jonathan Howe, interim SBC EC president/CEO, said the DOJ has told the EC’s legal counsel there is “no further action to be taken.” Email requests for comment from the DOJ were not returned by time of publication. The SBC has been represented during the investigation by Gene Besen and Scarlett Nokes of … [Read more...]
EC president/CEO candidate withdraws from search process
NASHVILLE (BP) – The chairman of the team searching for the next leader of the SBC Executive Committee (EC) has let the members know their candidate has withdrawn his name. A release from search team chair Neal Hughes was sent to EC members on Tuesday morning, Jan. 23. The group had announced Jan. 8 that they planned to bring a candidate forward at the EC’s next meeting Feb. 19. Hughes said the candidate informed the search team Monday (Jan. 22) of the decision after “much prayer, … [Read more...]