The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention made a significant announcement this week: it will cut ties with the Evangelical Immigration Table (EIT), an organization linked to far-left financier George Soros. This decision marks a vital shift for the ERLC, which represents the Southern Baptist Convention in public policy.
Miles Mullin, the acting president of the ERLC, stated, “We feel we need to take a more independent posture on our immigration-related work.” The severance is seen as a response to concerns over the influence of progressive viewpoints on immigration within American churches. According to sources, the EIT was viewed as an agent of change, encouraging churches to adopt a more liberal stance on immigration issues, in part due to significant funding from Soros’ Open Society Foundations, which supports up to 38 percent of the National Immigration Forum’s budget.
Megan Basham, a journalist with the Daily Wire, expressed her support for the ERLC’s decision on social media, labeling it a “major victory.” Her enthusiasm is echoed by many within the Southern Baptist community. She wrote, “Southern Baptists, after nearly 15 years the ERLC has FINALLY announced they are breaking ties with the Soros-funded open borders group, the Evangelical Immigration Table.” Basham’s words resonate strongly with those in the convention who have long pushed back against what they see as leftist encroachment on their beliefs.
This move comes after significant pressure from Southern Baptists who have voiced their concerns about the ERLC’s collaboration with what they perceive as a politically motivated organization. Basham noted that the EIT has been “nothing more than a front group for left-wing open borders advocates,” calling attention to how closely the organization is tied to the National Immigration Forum, which is legally linked to the EIT and funded by Soros.
The reaction from the Southern Baptist community has been one of relief and celebration, as many members have sought clarity and commitment to traditional beliefs on critical issues, such as immigration. Basham gave credit to supporters within the Southern Baptist Convention, acknowledging that “your voices mattered. Thank you for being bold and contending for the faith!” This affirmation underscores a growing sentiment that engagement with progressive agendas compromises core values among evangelical believers.
As Southern Baptists learned about the ERLC’s decision, conversations surrounding this issue intensified, highlighting long-standing fears about left-leaning ideologies infiltrating church discussions. Approximately 43 percent of attendees at the recent annual Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas voted to abolish the ERLC, a clear indication of discontent among members regarding the entity’s direction.
This shift is not just about immigration policy; it reflects a broader concern about preserving conservative values within the church and a resistance against influences deemed politically motivated. The Southern Baptist Convention, as the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, holds a significant position, and decisions made within its ranks can send strong signals about the future of evangelicalism in the face of progressive movements.
The ERLC’s decision to break ties with the Evangelical Immigration Table is a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle over the direction of the Southern Baptist Convention. This action aligns with a movement within the church that seeks to reaffirm traditional values in an era where outside influences increasingly challenge foundational beliefs. As the landscape of American faith continues to evolve, this move may serve as a defining moment for the denomination’s identity and mission moving forward.
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