Every year, the SBC annual meeting produces a number of “moments” that stick in people’s minds. Depending on the tone and content of those moments, it can make you proud to be a Southern Baptist…or, sometimes, feel affirmed in your decision not to be one. This year, for most who attended the convention, the former seems to be the case.
Three of the biggest moments from this year’s convention all point together toward a hopeful future for the SBC. If you were there (or watching online), you probably heard about these. If not, here’s your refresher.
1. Discussing a resolution on the Confederate flag, Pastor James Merritt proposes an amendment to strengthen the resolution. “All the Confederate flags in all the world are not worth one soul of any race.”
2. Russell Moore, president of the ERLC, defends religious liberty for all (and he means all). “Sometimes we have to deal with questions that are really complicated. Sometimes we have really hard decisions to make. This isn’t one of those things.”
3. After two different votes for SBC president, and headed toward a contentious third vote, I announce my decision to withdraw my nomination:
Be sure to check out the interviews immediately following my announcement. Steve Gaines, as the new SBC president, held a brief press conference (here), and I was able to meet up with Baptist 21 (here).
