The Baptist Record - Journal of the Mississippi Baptist Convention since 1877 June 17, 2022

McLaurin: ‘Love each other despite our disagreements’

McLaurin (Photo credit: Van Payne/The Baptist Paper)

McLaurin: ‘Love each other despite our disagreements’

June 17, 2022

By Jennifer Davis RashThe Baptist Paper In his first report to messengers as interim president and CEO of the Executive Committee, Willie McLaurin urged Southern…

MAGNOLIA MINDS: Bury your head in the sand

MAGNOLIA MINDS: Bury your head in the sand

June 17, 2022

Southaven church responds to threat of violence

THREATNED – Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Southaven, a member of the Mississippi Baptist Convention, was the site of an arrest June 15 of a man who was charged with making a terroristic threat. It is not clear which campus of the twin-campus church was involved. (Photo credit: WATN)

Southaven church responds to threat of violence

June 16, 2022

Mississippi Baptists host fellowship at SBC annual meeting

Mississippians gather for fellowship at the 2022 Southern Baptist Convention. (Photo credit: Tanner Cade)

Mississippi Baptists host fellowship at SBC annual meeting

June 16, 2022

Explore the Bible: June 19

June 16, 2022

Final claim dismissed
in Johnny Hunt lawsuit
NASHVILLE (BP) — A U.S. district court has once again sided with the Southern Baptist Convention and other defendants in a suit brought by former SBC President Johnny Hunt. Chief District Judge William L. Campbell Jr., of the Middle District of Tennessee issued today (August 12) a final summary judgment on the only remaining claim in the case. Hunt filed the suit against the SBC, its Executive Committee and Guidepost Solutions in March 2023, claiming defamation after he was named in a 2022 report from Guidepost that was based on an investigation into alleged mishandling of sexual abuse claims by the SBC EC. Campbell had dismissed all other claims in the suit on March 31, 2025. The lone remaining claim regarded a 2022 tweet by then-SBC President Bart Barber that mentioned Hunt, who considered the post defamatory. The court’s determination today hinged on whether Hunt was a public figure and whether the tweet was made with actual malice. Campbell decided Hunt was a public figure “during the relevant time” and that there was no evidence of malice.