LETTER TO THE EDITOR: What’s next for the ERLC?

As someone who has partnered in our work, you’ve probably wondered what lies ahead for [the Ethics and Religious Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention]. That’s a good question. Let me assure you that our path ahead is clear, and our commitment to carrying out our ministry assignment has never waned. 

Just as the SBC faithfully sends missionaries to every corner of the globe and sends church planters to build churches in every part of the country, Southern Baptists have given us the responsibility and privilege of carrying the Good News of the Gospel into every area of our chaotic public square.

However, we are not doing this work alone. Our churches, our associations, our state conventions, and our entities are all unique and independent — and yet we need one another to accomplish the work set before us.

Because we are committed to this interdependence, our team is committed to building bridges and strengthening relationships during this season. Here’s why I believe this is critical:

As we move forward together, we will continue to fortify our relationships across the SBC while honoring the Cooperative Program that fuels our work.  This interdependence upon one another is what truly makes the Southern Baptist Convention so remarkable, and our fellow Southern Baptists expect nothing less.

Brent Leatherwood, Acting President
Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Nashville