One among the most extremely efficient non secular institutions in The US can be one of the most necessary chaotic. The Southern Baptist Convention, with its billion-greenback price range and large political affect, operates with out centralized authority or even an efficient machine of accountability. But as the Executive Committee meets in Nashville, Tennessee, this week, a lengthy-simmering crisis of governance is coming to a head.
On this episode of Complexified, Amanda Henderson speaks with RNS reporter Bob Smietana to cave within the scandals, factional divides and vitality struggles shaping the SBC this day. The conversation delves into:
- The ongoing sexual abuse crisis and why a lengthy-promised list of abusive pastors stays unfinished.
- Monetary scandals inviting hundreds of thousands of bucks in mismanagement at SBC institutions.
- The rising stress between reliable-existence advocates and abortion abolitionists pushing for grievous insurance policies.
- The controversy over refugee relieve, immigration reform and the SBC’s relationship with the GOP.
- Why the SBC’s governance mannequin — built on congregational independence — has made oversight relating to no longer capacity.
With fights over money, vitality and theology unfolding within the relief of closed doors, the SBC’s fresh turmoil is extra than right denominational drama — it’s a judge of The US’s broader political and cultural battles.