A long-running legal dispute between leadership of McLean Bible Church and members who have accused Pastor David Platt of attempting to take over the church got new life — yet again — May 19. The Virginia Court of Appeals remanded…
Spiritual questions remain after Abyssinian’s gender-bias lawsuit dismissed
The recent dismissal of a gender-bias lawsuit involving Abyssinian Baptist Church, while constitutionally predictable is spiritually and theologically unfinished. A federal judge ruled the claims brought by Eboni Marshall Turman, a former assistant minister and nationally respected theologian and professor,…
Fifth Circuit panel rules 2-1 in favor of NAMB and against McRaney
After 17 months of silence, a three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has ruled 2-1 against Will McRaney and in favor of the Southern Baptist Convention North American Mission Board. The Sept. 9 ruling is the…
DC court asked to limit use of ‘ecclesial abstention’ when fraud is involved
On Feb. 11, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals will hear a largely unknown case that has potential nationwide influence on the legal doctrine of “ecclesial abstention.” For decades, this legal doctrine has shielded courts from adjudicating cases deemed…
Ezell writes state convention leaders to offer ‘helpful information’ on McRaney case
After a long period of public silence about the defamation case brought against him and the Southern Baptist Convention North American Mission Board, Kevin Ezell sent a message to state Baptist convention executives May 10 offering “helpful information in case…
Seminary asks court to dismiss Greenway’s defamation suit
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary filed a motion in U.S. District Court April 18 asking for the lawsuit brought against it by Adam Greenway to be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. On March 20, the seminary’s former president filed suit against…
SBC Executive Committee files amicus brief supporting NAMB against Will McRaney
The Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention has weighed in with a legal brief defending the SBC North American Mission Board in a defamation lawsuit brought against NAMB by Will McRaney, former leader of the Baptist Convention of Maryland…