The Southern Baptist Convention’s ERLC Sets New Course with Leadership Changes and Focus on Immigration
In a recent development, the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) has introduced a new interim leader and announced a significant shift in its approach to immigration reform. The ERLC, which has long prioritized immigration policy, is severing its collaboration with the Evangelical Immigration Table to pursue an independent task force dedicated to the issue.
During a trustees meeting, Acting President Miles Mullin elaborated on the decision to part ways with the Evangelical Immigration Table. Mullin shared in a statement to The Christian Post, “For a variety of reasons, our coalition work with EIT has resulted in controversy that has not served EIT, the ERLC, or, most importantly, our Southern Baptist churches well.” This decision aligns with the ERLC’s ongoing strategy to address immigration independently, rooted in scripture and Southern Baptist principles.
The newly formed task force emerges following a motion at June’s SBC Annual Meeting, which called for an exploration of a “Biblical stand on immigration.” This task force will operate distinctly from the ERLC’s established advocacy efforts, with more details anticipated in the coming weeks.
Further changes to the ERLC leadership were announced with the resignation of President Brent Leatherwood in July, after his four-year tenure. Effective October 1, Gary Hollingsworth, former executive director of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, will step in as interim president. Scott Foshie, chairman of the ERLC Board of Trustees, expressed confidence in Hollingsworth’s leadership, highlighting his “tremendous executive, relational and pastoral experience.”
Foshie remarked to The Christian Post, “He is the type of godly, humble leader that can unite Southern Baptists and help us focus on the Great Commission while reminding us to carry it out with the heart of the Great Commandment.”
Hollingsworth is expected to engage deeply with Southern Baptist churches, pastors, and various leaders to address their concerns and gather feedback regarding the ERLC’s ministry. Foshie added that Hollingsworth’s role would include providing “encouragement, guidance, and faithful service” to Southern Baptists in the public square.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
