Following up on Dr. Mohler’s radio show Tuesday, here’s an excerpt from a Baptist Press article:
R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, speaking on behalf of the presidents of the SBC’s various entities, noted to the Executive Committee that “there is an unprecedented level of attack upon some of our own leaders … in the form of innuendo and smear and caricature and character assassination.” Mohler also noted, “Two of our own have suffered in particular along these lines,” referencing Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his wife Dorothy.
Mohler stated that the SBC entity presidents have committed “that we will not ourselves tolerate personal attacks upon one of our colleagues,” and Jerry Rankin, president of the International Mission Board, then led in a time of prayer for the Pattersons.
And from President Frank Page, again in another Baptist Press article:
Before Page spoke, the Great Commission Council — which is made up of presidents of SBC entities — gathered around and prayed for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Paige Patterson and his wife Dorothy for what GCC members called an “unprecedented attack” on the couple.
“It gave me great hope to know that even among that group of wonderful servants of God, that we have made a covenant … that we will lift up one another and not tear down one another,” Page said. “It is not just enough for our entities and their staffs to make a pledge that we will not attack one another. I have called on Southern Baptists, whether it be in blogs or in hallway conversations or in telephone conversations or in hushed tones … to make a covenant that we will not attack one another, but we will lift high the name of Jesus and we will encourage one another.”
HT :: Ed Stetzer
Nor should they! Now, who is investigating the allegations? If it is just personal attacks, it should be easy to ferret out.
We cannot become like those who hide behind the cloak of “Thou shall not touch the Lord’s anointed.” Allegations made must be allegations examined. Unfortunately, the world we live in is political, and it cannot be escaped within the Church. We cannot become like Freemasons and pledge never to accuse a brother and never to speak “unkindly” about them when they are dead. We cannot allow what has happened in the case of Billy Graham whose popularity in the SBC hides his heretical views and builds statues to him despite his errors. Let the truth be examined, and let it stand on its own.