Illinois Baptist
Baptist smoke We’re lookin’ at you, Dallas Table Talk P. 13
mission
Priority’s ‘home team’ P. 7
First steps ‘Perfect trip’ for beginners. P 11
Back to Memphis P. 4
Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission
Foshie, leaders defend ERLC
News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association
JUNE 1, 2025
10 former SBC presidents rebuke defunding
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Peoria, Illinois Permit No. 964
Vol. 119 No. 6
ILLINOIS
Recovery begins Ministry after tragedy P. 6
NATE ADAMS
Saddle up! Head for the mountains P. 2
BF&M @ 100
The Church
Nashville, Tenn. | The latest debate about the future of the SBC’s public policy and D.C. lobbying entity began with what seemed to be an off-thecuff critique by Southern Seminary President Al Mohler on a podcast, but it has drawn in 11 former presidents of the Southern Baptist Convention and the Board chair and trustees of the beleaguered Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. Board chair Scott Foshie and 10 ex-presidents are standing up for the ERLC, one ex-president wants to defund it, after Mohler said he has “grave doubts” about its “utility.” The field of battle could move from internet posts and open letters to SBC members to the floor of the SBC
Annual Meeting in Dallas in June. Al Mohler lobbed the first volley on a Baptist 21 podcast April 30. Mohler said his critique about the ERLC was not only about “the current moment,” but he added, “It would be wrong for me to lead any such effort” to abolish or defund the ERLC. Foshie countered on May 8: “For over 100 years, the (ERLC) has played a pivotal role in shaping culture and equipping pastors by bringing a distinctively Baptist voice to the public square,” Foshie said. “The board of trustees is steadfast in its commitment to advancing the future of the invaluable service the ERLC provides to its Convention of churches.” P. 3
Blessings by the dozen P. 16
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