In the Guidepost Solutions report, Patterson was described as obstinate, refusing to cooperate with Guidepost investigators or yield documents from his time as SBC president that would have been pertinent to the investigation.
“In addition, I have informed our Board of Trustees for my intention to present a recommendation to them at their October Board meeting to have Patterson Hall renamed,” Akin wrote.
The Paige and Dorothy Patterson Hall was dedicated in 2008 and named in honor of the former seminary president and his wife. The facility houses classrooms and a number of offices.
“I am appreciative for the role that Dr. Patterson played in changing the theological direction and mission of Southeastern,” Akin went on to say. “However, the report released by the Sexual Abuse Task Force led me to the conclusion that I had already been weighing for some time. I do not believe it is proper to leave the Patterson name associated with the building.”
“I have counted both of these men as friends and mentors in ministry. But most of all I want to honor King Jesus, promote holiness in all aspects of one’s walk, and care for hurting brothers and sisters in Christ,” Akin wrote.
Many were quick to laud the decision to remove the Hunt and Patterson names from SEBTS campus life.
“It is, perhaps, one of the boldest and courageous actions I have seen a leader in the SBC make in the history of the denomination,” one person said. “Dr Akin’s leadership in this way is admirable and historic.”
An SEBTS alumnus wrote, “This is the right move. Thank you @DannyAkin for your solid leadership. As always, I am proud to be a @SEBTS alum, and especially so tonight in light of these decisions.”
“THIS is leadership,” said another.
RELATED: How the ‘Apocalyptic’ Southern Baptist Report Almost Didn’t Happen
On the other hand, while some were thankful for SEBTS’s decision to stand with sexual abuse survivors by removing the names of those implicated in abuse from their programs and facilities, they also pointed out that a contrasting decision was made at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS), the SBC’s flagship seminary, just two years prior.
