Explainer: Understanding the organization of the SBC

On Sunday, a report commissioned by the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) was released that documents two decades of cover up of sexual abuse by the by senior members of the denomination’s Executive Committee.

Unfortunately, much comment on the report implies that the investigation was of the broader SBC, rather than on a single committee within the SBC. This is perhaps understandable since the non-hierarchical and decentralized structure of the SBC makes it difficult for even lifelong Southern Baptists to fully understand the way the convention is organized.

To understand the structure requires recognizing the distinct role and interactions among several institutions, most specifically, local churches and messengers, the SBC president, committees, entities, and trustees.

Are you ready for the Supreme Court decision on abortion?

Right now, the Supreme Court is considering the most important abortion case in a generation: Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. As we prepare for the ruling in this case, we want to be faithful to pray.

This free Dobbs prayer guide contains a list of 48 specific prayer requests to guide you, your family, and your church in your prayers over the coming weeks and months.

This Week in Washington, D.C.

Amidst a number of horrific events this week, a massive leak of internal documents from the Xinjiang police provided a sobering glimpse into the Chinese Communist Party’s genocide against the Uyghur people. These files contain images of Uyghurs experiencing the brutality of police in these so-called “training centers.”

The leaked documents also shed light on top government leaders’ direct knowledge of and continued demand for horrific human rights abuses to be committed against the Uyghur people. These files help us see the humanity of these oppressed people and demand more action from us in helping the Uyghurs.

Right now, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives from both parties are working to negotiate a final version of a bill that focuses on countering China. The ERLC is advocating for provisions that will work to counter them not just economically or militarily, but also morally. Among those provisions, we are specifically asking for the U.S. government to grant Priority 2 refugee status to Uyghurs who are able to escape the country.

You can read more about the leaked files and the Uyghurs here.

Featured Podcasts

On last week's episode of the ERLC Podcast, Brent and Lindsay discuss state constitutions and abortion, the SBTC and a partnership with the Psalm 139 Project, and the shootings in Buffalo and California. They also discuss the crackdown on churches in Hong Kong and the reasons why people migrate.

From The Public Square

Oklahoma Legislature passes bill that would ban nearly all abortions
ABC News

The Oklahoma Legislature passed a bill that would ban abortion at conception, making it the most restrictive abortion ban in the country if it goes into effect. There are exceptions in cases of saving the life of the mother, rape or incest.

Judge suspends Michigan's dormant 1931 abortion ban
ABC News

A judge on Tuesday suspended Michigan's dormant, decades-old ban on abortion, which means the procedure would not be illegal in the state even if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns its historic Roe v. Wade decision.

South Carolina governor signs transgender sports ban
Reuters

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster this week signed a bill banning transgender athletes from playing school sports that match their gender identity, joining a number of Republican-led states that have enacted similar laws this year.

Protecting Children From Sextortion
Institute for Family Studies

Gaining an understanding of how online predators operate can help parents more effectively prepare their children for the dangers they will encounter online, including how to detect sextortion.

What You Need to Read

The ERLC with A lament in response to sexual abuse in the SBC

The tragic reality of those who have been abused, marginalized, and stonewalled by many in the Southern Baptist Convention, as revealed by the Sexual Abuse Task Force report, is cause for deep lament and grief. In the midst of this dark moment, our first response is to cry out to the Lord. He alone can bring the comfort that survivors long for, bring abusers and enablers to perfect justice, and purify his church. Here is a sample prayer that you can use in your individual prayer life or with your church as you cry out for the Lord’s grace and mercy during such a horrific time.