Executive Committee declines motion for expanded investigation
Meeting in Nashville June 14, the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee voted not to consider a proposed motion for a separate task force and expanded investigation into its handling of sexual abuse in SBC churches. But messengers to the convention could consider action related to the investigation when the business meeting begins tomorrow.
The Executive Committee previously announced it has asked Guidepost Solutions for an independent investigation of its handling of the sexual abuse crisis in Southern Baptist churches. The announcement followed claims that some Executive Committee leaders attempted to stymie the SBC’s strategy on abuse prevention and care for survivors.
Leadership, accountability top long list of Baptist issues in Nashville
Controversies surrounding Baptist entities will likely overshadow a host of issues Baptists are expected to consider in Nashville. Among them: a presidential election with four announced candidates; the emergence of a Conservative Baptist Network critical of the SBC’s recent direction on social justice and other issues; and a proposed Vision 2025 plan with challenging goals in missions, evangelism, giving, and church planting.
Tony Evans exhorts Baptists to ‘claim Christ above all’
In the opening message of the Send Conference sponsored by Southern Baptists’ missions agencies, Dallas pastor Tony Evans issued a plea for gospel unity amid our various differences. “I don’t know if I’m going to get this chance again, so I’ve got to throw it all in,” Evans said in a sermon that touched on several pressing issues facing Baptists, including political differences and racial tensions.
“Because you represent another King and another kingdom, and you and I are never to allow the politics of men to break up our ‘together,’ to divide the church of Jesus Christ,” Evans said. “You don’t lose you uniqueness, but you claim Christ above all.”