Sunday, June 3, 2012

Southern Baptist Convention's curious approach to accountability

A Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) panel investigating unethical conduct by Richard Land, head of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, handed down its judgment on Friday. For racist comments, baseless accusations, and plagiarism, Land gets two sternly worded letters of rebuke and loses his radio show. He will remain the high profile head of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. On what planet does this make sense?

There has been plenty of buzz about the "fix being in" after the head of the panel investigating Land abruptly resigned 10 days before the final ruling was to be delivered. After spending 6 weeks leading the investigation, we were supposed to believe that retired pastor Steve Faith resigned "to spend more time volunteering at the church where he is a member." Of course, his replacement was described as a strong supporter of Land and gave this glowing assessment to a reporter:
“I am a fan of Dr. Land. I am in his corner through this process and want to see him succeed and hope that he can continue in his ministry.”
After the ruling was announced, Land humbly gloated:
"I have said on numerous occasions that I believe in trustee oversight and governance. I am under the authority of the trustees elected by the Southern Baptist Convention. This whole process was conducted in a Christian manner by Christian gentlemen. 
I look forward to working with them and their fellow trustees and the ERLC staff as we seek to continue to minister the Gospel of our Savior across our great land.
I cannot imagine why more and more people are walking away from organized religion. 

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