By Scott Barkley
Baptist Press
NASHVILLE — A second letter written by former Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Russell Moore has elicited response from Southern Baptist leaders and calls for an independent investigation.
The letter, dated May 31, 2021, and addressed to SBC President J.D. Greear, was made public Friday (June 4). In it, Moore directly and indirectly accuses various leaders of “stonewall[ing]” calls to address sexual abuse in the SBC. It is the second letter written by Moore to become the public within the last week. An earlier letter, written in February 2020 and addressed to the executive committee of the ERLC’s board of trustees, outlined similar concerns.
Greear and SBC Executive Committee President and CEO Ronnie Floyd, who was mentioned in the letter, both issued statements. Floyd’s statement, issued Saturday (June 5), said: “For those matters of which I was present, I do not have the same recollection of occurrences as stated, adding: “I do take seriously allegations in this letter which may raise concern for Southern Baptists.
“I have been very committed to always operate with the highest integrity and skillful hands. I am right now considering ways in which we can develop the best path forward for the sake of Southern Baptists and our God-called commitment to our unified Great Commission vision.” [Read more…]