Burleson Resigns

Wade Burleson has announced his resignation as trustee of the IMB. I have, in recent days, had questions about his intentions in much of what he wrote, but I have always thought that it was important for trustees to have the ability to air their dissent, publicly if need be. And I still believe that it's a bad idea for Southern Baptist entities to require things of their members and employees that go beyond what the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message says. And if his account of the trustee meeting is accurate, I cannot understand why his apology was not deemed sufficient.

There is a resolution that has been forwarded to the SBC Executive Committee that would call for a vote on Burleson's continued service. That vote promised to be a pretty divisive and potentially rowdy vote, and at least now that controversy will not happen.

I am disappointed that Pastor Burleson's apology was not accepted. Having read the text at his blog, I think that it demonstrates his willingness to work within the system to effect any change he feels is needed. It looks to me like the Executive Committee of the IMB felt that anything short of apologizing for his disagreement with the IMB policies was not a sufficient apology, and that is unfortunate. I also think that this decision has the potential of making Burleson a sort of martyr to many of his supporters in the SBC -- though not as much potential as the resolution that sought to remove him as trustee.

Ironically, I had just told my wife about that resolution, and told her that Indianapolis would be interesting. We're looking forward to getting to go to the convention this year -- it will be our first since Atlanta. Maybe it will be quieter after all.