Brent Leatherwood, the head of the staunchly conservative public-policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention “Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC),” is facing backlash from within his own ranks after praising President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek re-election as a “selfless act.” Some Southern Baptists who align closely with the MAGA movement reacted as if Leatherwood had committed an act of betrayal akin to Judas betraying Jesus.
The controversy erupted swiftly after Leatherwood commented on Biden’s announcement of his withdrawal from the 2024 race.
“We should all express our appreciation that President Biden has put the needs of the nation above his personal ambition,” Leatherwood said in response the President’s decision.
Leatherwood’s statement prompted fierce blowback on social media from some within the denomination, particularly those pushing for a more conservative agenda.
“I dissent from the idea that this was an act of valor by President Biden,” conservative scholar Andrew Walker wrote on X. “The Democrats want power, and democracy is an obstacle to that power if it means forfeiting the ability to rule with an iron woke fist,” he added.
“Sounds right,” replied Clint Pressley, the newly elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
By Monday, the agency issued a statement claiming Leatherwood had been removed according to their bylaws. However, by Tuesday, they retracted this claim, clarifying that no authorized action had taken place, and reaffirming their support for Leatherwood — though its chairman resigned amid the agency’s retraction.
In response to the tumult, Leatherwood expressed gratitude on social media for the support received from trustees who clarified the situation. His tenure as the policy spokesman for the nation’s largest Protestant denomination has been marked by navigating contentious issues, including his reluctance to fully embrace the support for former President Donald Trump among Southern Baptists.
Despite his conservative credentials, which include previous roles in Republican politics and staunch advocacy on conservative issues like abortion, Leatherwood has notably diverged from some within the Southern Baptist Convention on matters concerning political alignment and public policy.
Check some of the reactions below:
I dissent from the idea that this was an act of valor by President Biden. Had he not acted defiantly after the debate or made it clear months ago that he would not run (aided by a compliant press that kept his decline from being more public), that would have been respectable. But…
— Andrew T. Walker (@andrewtwalk) July 21, 2024
Sounds right. https://t.co/O3O8apHh6h
— Clint Pressley (@pastorclint) July 21, 2024
The @ERLC fired Brent Leatherwood. Why is his terrible post still up? https://t.co/vGDm4jpgmU
— Laramie Minga (@LaramieMinga) July 23, 2024
Today, the @ERLC trustees fired Brent Leatherwood. I support this decision, not because I have any personal animosity toward Brent. This was the right decision because the man is not more important than the office. Instead, the office is more important than the man.
Brent was…
— Brian Gunter (@BrianGunter1689) July 23, 2024
This is one of the most dishonest and cynical political statements I have ever seen. No one believes that Joe Biden dropped out due to selflessness. It’s almost obscene to utter something so discrediting in a moment like this.
— Megan Basham (@megbasham) July 21, 2024
Brent Leatherwood should follow Biden's lead and resign also.
— Evangelical Dark Web (@EvangelicalDW) July 21, 2024
Disgusting. You are truly disgusting.
— Eighth Century Woodchipper 🌳🪓 (@BonifaceOption) July 21, 2024
So embarrassing that the ExtremelyRadicalLeftistCouncil is still a part of the SBC. Time to shut it down or actually get a Christian running this organization
— Tim McDonald (@tandjmcdonald) July 21, 2024
Nowhere in the Bible is walking away from power considered godly in itself
But if it is godly, why doesn’t the director of the ERLC show true selflessness by stepping down?— Pastor Rich Lusk (@Vicar1973) July 21, 2024
Thank you for posting this now. Our church has a Business Meeting next week. I will be making a Motion to exclude the ERLC from our Cooperative Program contributions.
Unbelievable.
Looking forward to the Motion from @tomascol that will be made in 11 months.
— Eric Beal (@LawyerBeal) July 21, 2024
You are a stain on Christ's church.
— Dustin E.J. D'Entremont (@HouseDEntremont) July 21, 2024
