Update: The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the ERLC has issued a retraction, saying that “Brent Leatherwood remains the President of the ERLC and has our support moving forward.” Executive Committee Chair Kevin Smith has resigned.
On Monday (July 22) the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) removed Brent Leatherwood from his position as president.
In a statement released to its website, the ERLC said, “In accordance with our bylaws, the executive committee has removed Brent Leatherwood as president. Further details, as well as plans for the transition, will be provided at our September board meeting.”
RELATED: Brent Leatherwood To Remain ERLC President; Trustee Chairperson Resigns
“Until then, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees will assume directional responsibility for carrying out the ministry assignments for the ERLC,” the statement concluded.
The ERLC’s Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees stated that more information will be provided at the trustee meeting on Sept. 10-11 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Leatherwood’s removal comes just hours after he provided Baptist Press with comments regarding President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election.
RELATED: ERLC’s Brent Leatherwood Criticized for Calling Biden’s Withdrawal From Election ‘A Selfless Act’
“Not only is this a historic decision, it is the right decision for our nation,” Leatherwood told Baptist Press. “The role of president takes a heavy toll and, based on what has been apparent for some time, it was unrealistic to ask President Biden to endure another four years of the incredible burdens placed on the one who occupies this office.”
“We should all express our appreciation that President Biden has put the needs of the nation above his personal ambition,” said Leatherwood. “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.”
Leatherwood drew criticism from SBC President Clint Pressley, SBC members, and SBC pastors for saying Biden’s withdrawal was “a selfless act.”
Pressley agreed with Andrew Walker, an associate professor at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS), when Walker posted on social media disagreeing with Leatherwood’s sentiment.
RELATED: You Are a Viper’—ERLC’s Brent Leatherwood Blasts Leaker of Alleged School Shooter Manifesto
“I dissent from the idea that this was an act of valor by President Biden,” Walker said. “Had he not acted defiantly after the debate or made it clear months ago that he would not run (aided by a compliant press that kept his decline from being more public), that would have been respectable.”
He continued, “But let’s call a spade a spade. The Democrats want power, and democracy is an obstacle to that power if it means forfeiting the ability to rule with an iron woke fist. So, a handful of the ultra-powerful just took control of things.” Walker warned that “very current and future office-holder should fear the precedent set in today’s announcement.”
Pressley reposted Walker’s dissent with the comment, “Sounds right.”
Leatherwood became the ERLC’s president in 2021 following the departure of Russell Moore. He formerly served as the ERLC’s chief of staff.
