1. Here are some thoughts on VP Pence at SBC as someone who has been involved in both staffing national political leaders at religious forums, and currently advises Christian leaders and organizations about politics and culture. I hope you'll read the whole thread.
2. I come at these questions with some convictions about the role of politicians to engage faith, and also the experience of helping to organize and staff national political leaders' visits to religious gatherings.
3. There were very loud voices who did not think President Obama should speak at Notre Dame or Saddleback. The people criticizing the SBC probably think the criticism of Notre Dame/Saddleback was wrong (I did), but the nature of the criticism is similar.
4. I do not know how the invitation to Pence came about. Maybe it was a straight up invitation from the top of the SBC. Or maybe some within the convention were pushing for an invite to Trump, and Pence was a compromise pick. Maybe Pence's people reached out? I simply do not know
5. The criticism of the SBC is fair. I get it. I'm not sure I want to set precedent that the VP is not welcome to speak to a religious audience. What I do hope the SBC realizes is that the way they respond to Pence's remarks & the way his visit is handled will reflect on us all.
6. In the last couple years, I spoke to a state religious convention. I was told by the organizers that although they had hosted a governor who was later charged w/ serious sexual harassment allegations, it was my speaking at the convention that brought criticism. I'm a Democrat.
7. All of this to say...how these invites and moments come together is complicated, full of different personalities, obligations, backstories and interests.
8. I'm not sure it's wise for the SBC to have VP Pence at this year's meeting, but I'm hesitant to criticize them simply for hosting the Vice President. They have opened themselves up to criticism and embarrassment, however. How they react to Pence's visit will be paramount.
9. As my previous tweet indicated, Dr. Moore should be introducing Pence. Moore is the SBC's rep in D.C. Not Jeffress. Not Graham. If they're truly hosting Pence out of honoring gov leaders, Dr. Moore can have the honor of introducing him. Or Dwight McKissick. Or Beth.
10. And the SBC's faithfulness is on the line here. If Pence defends Trump's use of "animals," for instance, and a sizable % of the SBC applauds him...they will heap shame on themselves and on all of us.
11. Last thought: I don't want to go into all the history here, but I will say...it would not be without precedent to consider voting on a resolution considering the Trump Admin's policies in a way that would explicitly state the SBC's disagreements ahead of Pence's visit.
12. If SBC wants to send clear message that inviting Pence does not mean they affirm all of Trump's policies, this is a reasonable way to make it clear: Pass a resolution affirming the dignity of immigrants, the evil of racism & make sure Pence knows about it b4 he gets on stage.
13. Finally, I don't want to be naive here. I know how fraught this is. I don't think I need to restate here my opposition to President Trump, and the vast bulk of his policy priorities and political approach. But...
14. ...can I ask you to pray that perhaps Mike Pence's heart will be touched during his visit. That in the midst of the Trump Administration's carrying out of its border enforcement policy, that the witness of the SBC might send him back to D.C. with a message that this must end?
15. I've seen God work in incredible ways by using faithful witnesses in difficult, improbable political circumstances. I love my SBC brothers & sisters. I agree with sis @jenwells that there seems to be little upside, but maybe we can pray God will use this moment for good.
16. OK, that's all for now. I know this is a complicated issue, and the news is fresh and emotions are high (including mine!), so I'll hang around and try to respond to good faith comments/questions as I can. Thanks for listening.
