There are now three published “endorsements” of SBC Seminary Presidents. I put the word “endorsements” in quotes, because two are kinda sorta, but not official.
Of course, we all know about Dr. Patterson’s very official press release here:
Patterson endorses Floyd as a man Southern Baptists need
Earlier today, Marty Duren posted an email that has circulated from Dr. Akin at Southeastern:
Now, Ronnie Floyd has posted a private letter to him by Dr. Al Mohler at Southern:
One clearly is official. One is a personal letter intended for different pastors. the final is a personal letter to Ronnie Floyd. I am assuming that Dr. Floyd got permission to publish the letter. If that is the case, however, I wonder why Dr. Mohler didn’t do this with an official Press Release as did Dr. Patterson?
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tim rogers
on May 17th, 2006
@ 8:56 pm:
Brother Art,
I am on VACATION, but thought that just before I officially singned in on VACATION I would check out the current happening in the SBC. My wife reminded me that my VACATION began and I am not supposed to be taking my time away from them.
Having said all of that, let me say that I do not see anything wrong with either of the three endorsements given by our Seminary Presidents. Granted the concern raised on the different blogs about Dr. Patterson’s endorsment was using SWBTS’s website and calling it a Press Release. However, he is still free to present his opinion just as you and I are free to present ours. I do believe the other two Presidents saw that posting an endorsement the way Dr. Patterson did was unwise and chose to use different channels for their comments.
What would be the difference in their endorsments of Dr. Floyd and yours and Marty Duren’s, and Tom Ashcol’s endorsments of Wade Burleson? The only difference I see is that you are not paid through CP funds. Is that you main concern?
Anonymous
on May 17th, 2006
@ 10:36 pm:
How do you publicly endorse someone without technically endorsing them publicly? Just write a personal letter and “allow” it to be published.
Slick.
Tim Sweatman
on May 18th, 2006
@ 1:45 am:
Tim,
I can’t speak for Art, but I think it is improper for anyone who is employed by any SBC entity to endorse people for leadership positions within the SBC. Morris Chapman’s statements on this subject are very wise. I also believe that it is improper for an employee of any SBC entity to be a candidate for leadership positions. That creates a huge potential conflict of interest.
Anonymous
on May 18th, 2006
@ 6:19 am:
“I have asked him if I can share his letter of excitement and support with you on my blog today. He agreed with enthusiasm.”
What part of that do you not understand as Dr. Mohler giving permission?
Mike
on May 18th, 2006
@ 6:24 am:
If your concern about people endorsing or supporting Dr. Floyd is because they are paid with CP funds then let me pose this question? Does your church agree with you identifying yourself as a minister and expressing your views or support for a person that might run for president? Or for that matter, do they approve of you identifying as a minister on your blog and taking a stance on any issue via your blog?
art rogers
on May 18th, 2006
@ 7:25 am:
Anonymous,
My I did miss the statement about Dr. Mohler giving permission – but as you will note, I said I assumed that it was given.
My question is “Why the tacit endorsement and not a press release?”
Mike,
Good questions. I do not speak for them and have frequently said so, but, yes, they endorse my leadership.
I have never hidden what I do and will be on the local radio station here next week to discuss the Memphis Declaration. It’s no secret.
There is a big difference though. I answer to my congregation for what I say and how I say it, even though I am not acting as a representative.
SBC executives do not.
art rogers
on May 18th, 2006
@ 4:15 pm:
Oh, yeah, Mike, if you can find my church’s name mentioned on this blog, I’ll give you a dollar.
When I was interviewed in Memphis, I told Charlie, when he asked about my church, that I spoke for myself alone. There were several witnesses (though not twelve) to this statement.
Everyone in SBC life seems to know who these three presidents are, and if they don’t, reading the various publications will tell you. Dr. Patterson’s release is on the SWBTS website. I have never used my position with the church to attempt to mobilize the congregation or address it in any way with them. I am not hosting this blog on a church website, either.