Thursday, July 31, 2025, Brent Leatherwood resigned as president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). His resignation follows a tumultuous period marked by deepening controversies that have shaped both his leadership and the broader direction of the ERLC.
Leatherwood’s time at the helm of the ERLC has been rife with contentious positions and decisions that have drawn ire from Southern Baptists across the theological and political spectrum. The ERLC’s commitment to engaging the culture has, at times, felt at odds with the conservative convictions held by many in the SBC. This has led to growing calls for a more faithful representation of the Southern Baptist ethos in the public square, especially when it comes to the vital issues of abortion, religious liberty, and the family.
One of the most significant points of contention was the ERLC's position on abortion legislation. While Leatherwood has long been seen as a pro-life advocate, his opposition to certain state-level measures, including efforts to criminalize abortion more aggressively, raised concerns within the denomination. Many viewed these stances as a departure from the clear, unwavering pro-life stance that has defined the Southern Baptist Convention for decades. The public pushback from pro-life leaders within the SBC only deepened the divide.
Equally controversial was Leatherwood’s support for immigration reform, particularly the Dignity Act, which proposed amnesty for undocumented immigrants. This position clashed with the longstanding convictions of many Southern Baptists who have historically advocated for stricter immigration policies. Leatherwood’s stance on this matter seemed out of step with the denomination’s values, contributing to a growing sense of frustration among rank-and-file Southern Baptists.
Furthermore, Leatherwood’s advocacy for gun control measures, such as “red flag” laws in Tennessee, alienated many Southern Baptists who view the right to bear arms as integral to their constitutional liberties. In a denomination that has consistently supported Second Amendment rights, this policy direction seemed out of place and contradicted long-standing resolutions defending the right of individuals to own firearms.
As if these policy decisions weren’t enough to spark controversy, the ERLC also faced internal governance struggles that undermined its credibility. In 2024, the executive committee chair made an unauthorized announcement about Leatherwood’s removal, a move that was quickly retracted. The disarray within the leadership structure, coupled with the growing discontent from Southern Baptists, signaled a need for change at the top. Leatherwood’s resignation represents an opportunity to reassess the ERLC’s future and determine how best to align it with the convictions and concerns of the broader SBC.
As Leatherwood steps down, the ERLC faces a critical moment in its history. The resignation of its president is a moment of reckoning for the institution. It is clear that Southern Baptists desire a more faithful, biblically grounded approach to public policy and cultural engagement—one that aligns with the long-held values of the denomination. The ERLC must now move forward with a renewed commitment to uphold the teachings of Scripture and the traditions of the SBC while remaining vigilant in its mission to advocate for religious liberty, the sanctity of life, and the preservation of the family.
In this transition, it is crucial that the ERLC recalibrate its approach, returning to the firm theological foundations that have made the Southern Baptist Convention a powerful voice for Christ in the public sphere. As the SBC navigates the complexities of modern political and cultural issues, it is paramount that the ERLC serves as a voice of unwavering biblical truth, not as an institution susceptible to political winds or cultural pressures.
It is good that Brent Leatherwood has finally stepped down. This was long overdue. Pray that the board of trustees will appoint a man of conviction and courage to replace him, and not just another company man with terrible political instincts.
— Thomas Boone (@ThomasBooneSBC) August 1, 2025
I nominate @jrwhitehead. https://t.co/UFxkZeb6dR
The future of the ERLC will depend on its ability to reflect the values of the Southern Baptist Convention, rather than compromise those convictions in pursuit of broader cultural acceptance. The resignation of Brent Leatherwood is not merely a leadership change; it is an opportunity for the ERLC to recalibrate its mission and remain steadfast in the pursuit of biblical truth, justice, and mercy.
