NASHVILLE (BP) – The SBC Executive Committee met in a special called executive session on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 16). The group took steps to create a work study group to review the EC’s and SBC’s “long-term legal strategy.”

The decision follows the disclosure of the filing of an amicus brief in an abuse related case being argued in the Kentucky Supreme Court through a story in the Louisville Courier-Journal Oct. 25.

EC Chairman Philip Robertson said the meeting was the second for the group in a span of two weeks. They met in a special called informational meeting on Nov. 3.

“Know that God is working in and through your trustees. I am thankful for them and I am extremely grateful for the spirit of unity and cooperation,” Robertson told Baptist Press in written comments.

He asked Southern Baptists “to please continue to pray for the Executive Committee as we seek to continue to follow the Lord and glorify Him as we carry out our assignments.”

EC legal work study group

The work study group is being asked to review:

• Biblical justice and due process doctrine as it relates to our current legal system (including statutes of limitations)
• A broader, long-term legal strategy for the Executive Committee and Southern Baptist Convention moving forward
• The process by which the Executive Committee and the Southern Baptist Convention approve significant legal decisions.

The EC also encouraged the group “to seek input from leading biblical scholars, trauma informed consultants, and legal experts.”

Each current EC officer will appoint one EC member to serve on the study group. There are seven EC officers. Each trustee who is a practicing or retired attorney will be asked to serve on the group. EC Chairman Philip Robertson will serve as an ex-officio member and the appoint the group’s chair.

The group was instructed to report back to the full EC at the next in-person meeting following the completion of their work.

Howe named permanent interim EC leader

The committee also approved Jonathan Howe to serve as the interim president/CEO for the duration of the EC presidential search process. Howe began serving in the role temporarily following the August resignation of Willie McLaurin.

At the September meeting, Search Committee President Neal Hughes said the team is hoping to bring a candidate at the February 2024 meeting.

(EDITOR’S NOTE – Brandon Porter serves as Associate Vice President for Convention News at the SBC Executive Committee.)