Thread by @SophiaLeeHyun

“We are a family, & at times we seem incredibly dysfunctional. But we love each other,” says @EdLitton to press. Says he feels God has called him to “help us remember again why we’re a family, and what the focus & objective is...to get the good news to as many people.” #SBC21

Says he wants to build bridges and not walls. Litton has run for president on a campaign focused on unity & healing and being Great Commission Baptists. He won 52% of votes in a run off.

Says there needs to be an independent investigation into sexual abuse cases, says SBC posture to sexual abuse survivors must be “pastoral.” Says we need to be diligent to make sure churches are safe places for protecting people who were victimized.

On racial reconciliation: @EdLitton says greatest need right now for racial reconciliation is humility. That even if we disagree, we need to come back to fundamental gospel of loving one another.

Litton on CRT: Says CRT is reality in our culture & people are afraid, but “I don’t think we need to be afraid of it in SBC.” Says there’s some use to CRT & want honest discussions, not allegations. Says it’s a distraction from real hurt and pain, which takes time to understand.

On approach to race: Says he wants to “the gospel approach,” not chasing after sth that’s popular. It starts with: How to treat neighbor? And also: Who’s my neighbor? Gives a little sermon on the Good Samaritan. Says we need to encourage ppl to get out of bubble and look around.

Quote of the day from Litton: “I’m not Superman. I have no magic. But I know Jesus Christ.”

On politics: Says he’s conservative politically. But stopped trying to convince ppl of political opinions as a pastor. Says his job is to represent Jesus Christ wherever he goes, including those outside of his tribe, and that’s what other Southern Baptists want him to do.

On ERLC: Says it’s critical. Don’t want it defunded but supported “because we need them.”

Litton on @jdgreear: “Done an admirable job.” Says Greear helped increase diversity in staff & leadership: “We need their voices.” Says they have common convictions & beliefs.

But what can he do that Greear didn’t? Says he’s praying for wisdom. Emphasizes unity in gospel.

Litton on gender: Says he’s complementarian. But also believes in autonomy of local church. Says his wife also “provides a voice that people need to hear,” and that’s why he invited her to the stage with him. (Litton faced much criticism for having wife on pulpit w him once.)

On religious freedom: Says it’s a serious burden & responsibility bc it’s “not just for ourselves, but for everyone.” Concerned some voices have hardened hearts against this cause. Says he will stand and defend religious liberty.

On Credentials Committee & abuse: Thinks CC has “serious limitations” in the way its organized, but “not sure it can be changed.” Says “we had an eye-opening experience” abt severity of sexual abuse in SBC and hopes an investigation would reveal more. Emphasizes zero tolerance.