Baylor University is trapped in an abusive relationship with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and needs to step away.
Some of you already think that language is too strong, but please hear me out. When a person or organization makes demands of others they are not entitled to make, that is abuse. And that is exactly how the BGCT is treating Baylor — making demands they are not entitled to make.
Mark Wingfield
Listen to this statement from Julio Guarneri, BGCT executive director: “Hosting speakers who are Christian, identify as gay and practice LGBTQ advocacy at a university-approved event is inconsistent with the convention’s long-standing views on biblical sexuality. It is likely that the viewpoints to be shared at this event and others may not represent either BGCT’s or Baylor’s official positions, and convention messengers have made it clear that the traditional view of biblical sexuality is a matter of fellowship and harmonious cooperation.”
Why does Guarneri or the BGCT get to determine who speaks on Baylor’s campus? By what right do they make such demands? As I pointed out in yesterday’s news story, the BGCT demands no such control over any other area of education at Baylor. Texas Baptists do not tell Baylor who they can hire, who they can fire, what curriculum may be taught or who may speak in chapel.
“Why does Guarneri or the BGCT get to determine who speaks on Baylor’s campus?”
So by what right do Texas Baptists get to throw a hissy fit when two gay Christians are invited to speak at a student-sponsored event on campus? Can no one see how abusive this demand is?
Texas Baptists are trying to control — or bully — Baylor on one specific issue: Their disdain for gay Christians. Is this really the most important thing the BGCT should be leveraging its influence to control? Even if you think opposing same-sex relations is a “biblical” issue, how is it more “biblical” than following the teachings of Jesus on feeding the hungry and welcoming strangers? Where is the BGCT’s outrage over Turning Point USA’s hate speech that will be given a platform on campus next week?
Let’s be crystal clear here: Neither Guarneri nor the BGCT Executive Board has said a single damned thing about the antichrist message of TPUSA. Not one word. They have chosen to play all their cards on opposing two gay speakers.
How is that not abusive?
Baylor has a self-perpetuating board of regents; that is settled law. The BGCT has been given — without merit, I would add — the opportunity to name 25% of those regents in consultation with the university. Why? Because of the historic ties between the state convention and the university.
It’s sure not because of financial support. In case you missed it before, let me say it one more time: Today, the BGCT contributes only 0.001% of Baylor’s $995.8 million annual budget but controls 25% of the board.
That’s the case in once Baptist-affiliated schools across the country, as I explained in a piece five years ago. The BGCT is demanding representation without taxation.
“The BGCT is demanding representation without taxation.”
It is time for Baylor’s regents to cut the cord and be truly independent. Look at Mercer University, another historically Baptist school in Georgia. Years ago, Mercer took control of its board — entirely — from the Georgia Baptist Convention and has thrived. Mercer does not face the same kind of roller coaster of attempted control Baylor still faces.
Guarneri is asking the BGCT Executive Board once again to “study” their relationship with Baylor — as if this hasn’t been done repeatedly. No amount of “study” is going to give the BGCT more authority to control Baylor. To believe otherwise is to be a bully.
Remember, Herb Reynolds and a previous generation of regents fought tooth and nail to separate the university from BGCT control because they feared the state convention would come under the control of Southern Baptist Convention fundamentalists.
On July 11, 2025, I wrote about this in BNG’s Friday Roundup:
Reynolds wanted Baylor to be known for its academics. He worked to prevent Baylor from becoming a narrow-minded school driven by religious dogma that ignores science. Doing that required unhitching the school’s governance from a cabal of pastors.
Yet today, some Baylor regents are using the freedom Reynolds secured for them to retreat back into religious dogma. They are holding fast to a religious viewpoint that defies the modern scientific consensus that same-sex attraction is biological and not a “choice” people make to be “immoral.”
It’s hard to see how that’s much different than teaching creationism or miscegenation or the Curse of Ham. How can gay students at Baylor go to biology classes where they are taught scientific truths that fade away for them as soon as they walk out of the classroom door?
I don’t think Baylor should teach — in any of its schools or classes — that same-sex attraction is inherently “sinful.” I realize many of you reading this disagree with me on that. But let’s be clear about what’s religious dogma and what’s academic truth.
If Baylor does choose to teach that, it must not be because the BGCT told them to — or else. Because at the end of the day, the BGCT’s “or else” is an empty threat.
Texas Baptists have no control over Baylor. They just like to think they do.
Mark Wingfield serves as executive director and publisher of Baptist News Global.
Related articles:
BGCT executive wants another study of relationship to Baylor
Texas Baptists ‘concerned’ about Baylor allowing gay speakers
Baylor rejects grant to study LGBTQ exclusion in the church
In historic first, Baylor will allow gay Christian advocates on campus
Amid LGBTQ controversy, social work dean ‘steps down’ at Baylor
Coalition of Baylor student groups seek alternative event to TPUSA
Here’s what’s wrong with Baylor hosting a TPUSA event | Opinion by Mark Wingfield
Fear drove Baylor to allow TPUSA on campus, Perryman asserts
Why the Turning Point Baylor rally Is un-Christian | Opinion by Greg Garrett