Let me be among the first to congratulate you on the straight-talk editorial, “Time Will Tell.” in the June 22 issue of the Herald. You cited four significant lessons learned from the Southern Baptist Convention held in Greensboro: Don't mess with WMU. (Amen!) Southern Baptists have become too narrow-minded. (Very true.) There's power in them there blogs. (I had no idea there were so many SBC preachers expounding on the Internet.) The proof is in the performance. (Too true.)
All four of the points were clearly articulated and compelling in their logic. It is about the fourth point that I really want to commend your analysis. You note that since 1989 Baptist General Association of Virginia churches have contributed $160 million to SBC causes, yet not a single person committed to the BGAV has been nominated to serve on the Executive Committee. You further point out that since the formation of the offshoot Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, every nominee to the Executive Committee from Virginia has come from that group. I would note that such exclusion of BGAV members has extended to most all SBC agencies and other committees as well.
I applaud you for seeking an interview with the new SBC president, Frank Page, to discuss his intentions concerning future appointments. I am encouraged that he seemingly wants to preside over a more inclusive convention but, as you so aptly put it, “If he chooses to continue to snub all who are not in lock-step with SBC leadership, … Virginia Baptists will have to conclude that the Southern Baptist Convention does not want us. Now our money — that's a different matter!”
BGAV churches should weigh carefully their willingness to continue to fund those who would take our money and exclude us from the tent. I, for one, do not want taxation without representation!
Daniel A. Polk, Richmond