Southern Baptist Leader Faces Controversy Over Biden Remarks
- The head of the Southern Baptist Convention's public-policy arm praised President Biden for his decision to withdraw from the presidential race, causing a stir among his peers.
- Initially, reports surfaced that he was fired due to this praise, but the agency later reaffirmed him in his leadership role.
- This event highlights the tensions within conservative circles regarding political alignment and public stance.
In a surprising turn of events, Brent Leatherwood, the head of the Southern Baptist Convention's (SBC) Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, sparked controversy by praising President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. This statement, made just days before his agency announced he had been fired, led to confusion and backlash within the conservative Baptist community. By Tuesday morning, the SBC clarified that Leatherwood had not been dismissed and reaffirmed their support for his leadership. The turmoil began on Sunday when Leatherwood's comments drew sharp criticism from fellow Baptists, many of whom are rallying behind former President Donald Trump. His remarks were met with significant pushback on social media, highlighting the ongoing struggle within the denomination to maintain a conservative stance while navigating political affiliations. The SBC's Executive Committee later stated that there had been no authorized actions regarding Leatherwood's position, following the resignation of Kevin Smith as Chair. Leatherwood, who has led the agency for three years, has been a prominent figure in advocating for traditional conservative values, including opposition to abortion. However, he has resisted calls from some factions within the SBC to impose legal penalties on women seeking abortions. His leadership has been marked by a commitment to conservative principles, even as he faced challenges from those pushing for a more extreme rightward shift. At the recent SBC annual meeting, the divide was evident as hundreds attended an unofficial event featuring Trump, while Leatherwood hosted a separate gathering with former Vice President Mike Pence, who has faced criticism from Trump supporters for his actions during the 2020 election. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions within the Southern Baptist Convention as it grapples with its political identity.