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The recent publication of the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)
Book of Reports has reignited a public dispute between Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and its former president Paige Patterson.
Both sides cite the dispute as a test of the convention’s commitment to truth and a harbinger of its future direction.
Southwestern’s dispatch in the annual
Book of Reports, which presents information for messengers attending the denomination’s upcoming annual meeting, alleges Patterson misappropriated “confidential donor information” and took seminary property after his 2018 termination over allegations of mishandling sexual abuse.
The report comes three months after the seminary settled a lawsuit against a foundation that shifted millions in funding following Patterson’s departure.
SBC sources: Paige Patterson made ‘black girl’ comments cited in Russell Moore letter
Patterson was also critical of the Rev. Fred Luter, the SBC’s first Black president, saying Luter and other ‘ethnic’ leaders didn’t understand how important the denomination’s theology was.
Paige Patterson gives a report June 14, 2017, during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting at the Phoenix Convention Center. Photo by Adam Covington/Baptist Press
June 3, 2021
(RNS) Author and speaker Trillia Newbell was minding her own business this week, “doing the good work the Lord planned for me,” when she was drawn into another Southern Baptist controversy.