“While many SBC churches share the same view, we are committed to stay in fellowship and unified with other SBC churches even when we disagree. Saddleback Church has a strong commitment to the authority and inerrancy of the Bible. We believe this approach is biblical and in alignment with the teachings of the New Testament as well,” Wood said.
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Wood told the Associated Press that he isn’t looking to engage in denominational battles, but rather would “really like to be a unifier of people – to help, love and support pastors in the SBC.”
Last month, pastor Mike Law of Arlington Baptist Church in Arlington, VA, wrote an open letter titled “A Call to Keep Our Unity” addressed to the SBC Executive Committee (EC).
Law’s letter urges the EC to consider his resolution to amend the BF&M 2000’s section six on “The Church” to read “Does not affirm, appoint, or employ a woman as a pastor of any kind.” Law’s amendment was originally presented at this past year’s annual meeting.
RELATED: 700 SBC Pastors Urge Amendment to Statement of Faith Barring Women From Holding Title of ‘Pastor’
Law invited SBC pastors, elders, and denominational seminary professors to sign his open letter. At the time of this article, the letter has over 860 signatures, including last year’s SBC presidential runner-up, Tom Ascol.
