“In all of our advocacy work, we have sought to strike a balance of conviction and kindness, one that is rooted in Scripture and reflective of our Baptist beliefs,” Leatherwood added. “That has meant standing for truth, without equivocation, yet never failing to honor the God-given dignity of each person we engage.”
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Leatherwood said that by “conducting ourselves in accordance with what is articulated in 1 Peter 3:15-16,” the ERLC has “helped the world clearly understand that Jesus Christ reveals a better way to live rather than the angry, self-absorbed, and cruel model that is so often served up by our modern culture” through “the gift of eternal salvation—selflessly purchased with His own blood.”
Leatherwood concluded, “That hope has powered our work these last several years, and has shaped my own conscience. It will continue to do so as I move forward to render service where the Lord is calling me next.”
Scott Foshie, chairman of the ERLC board of trustees, thanked Leatherwood for his leadership and is service to the SBC. “Brent has led the commission well and demonstrated loving courage in the face of a divisive and increasingly polarizing culture in America,” Foshie said. “While biblical values have been under attack, Brent has been a consistent and faithful missionary to the public square. We are thankful for his commitment to the Lord and to this commission.”
ERLC board of trustees Executive Committee member, Mitch Kimbrell, said, “Brent’s legacy is one of fighting vigorously and victoriously for life as evidenced by the defunding of Planned Parenthood and the placement of ultrasound machines in states across the country.”
“Under Brent, the ERLC made big advances in listening to and being shaped by Southern Baptists,” Kimbrell added. “He indeed leaves the ERLC better than he found it.”
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SBC Leaders React to Brent Leatherwood’s Resignation
Following the news of Leatherwood’s resignation, SBC President Clint Pressley posted on X, “Praying for the ERLC trustees in the days ahead.”
Florida Pastor Willy Rice, who unsuccessfully motioned to abolish the ERLC at this year’s annual meeting, provided a statement to ChurchLeaders.
“I thank Dr. Leatherwood for his decision today and I thank him for his service to the Lord and Southern Baptists,” Rice said. “I believe he is my brother in Christ, and I know that today is probably a hard day for him. I do believe this is the right decision for him and our ERLC. Our ERLC must now begin the hard work of regaining the trust of Southern Baptists.”
 Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), saying it was “time to close this chapter in my life.”){kind=link}