Brent Leatherwood has submitted his resignation as president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.
Many messengers at the Convention’s annual meeting last month voted to eliminate the Commission because of his leadership. Leatherwood tilted left on some important issues; and partnered with George Soros’ organization on immigration. He was Russell Moore’s heir apparent; and was part of the moderate/left J.D. Greear crowd that has run the convention for roughly a decade.
This result vindicates the efforts of conservative organizations with ties to the Convention including the Center for Baptist Leadership, the Conservative Baptist Network and the Danbury Institute. A number of individual conservative pastors, lay leaders and influencers have also stepped forward to highlight the need for reform.
Addendum: The Center for Baptist Leadership issued a statement.
Here are some ideas for a path forward:
I was asked if there is anything the next president of the @ERLC can do to regain trust that wouldn't be dismissed as mere PR campaigns and platitudes. Here's one idea for a 90-day plan.
— David Mitzenmacher (@davemitz) July 31, 2025
Day 1: Withdraw the ERLC from the EIT.
Days 2-30: Assemble an ad-hoc advisory group…
I guess the SBC can thank God for small favors and I think many messengers are saying good riddance
This is definitely a positive change, Fred. I hope they will ultimately replace him with someone who will do a much better job. That remains a question mark because the same crowd is in control.