SBC Leader Willie McLaurin Resigns Over False Credentials: The Interim president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Executive Committee Willie McLaurin resigned Thursday over false credentials.
According to the Baptist Press, an official SBC news source, McLaurin falsely listed that he earned degrees from North Carolina Central University, Duke University, Divinity School, And Hood Theological Seminary.
His false claims were discovered while he was being considered by the Executive Committee’s recruiting team as a possible replacement for former chief executive CEO Ronnie Floyd, who resigned in 2021. After weeks of investigation, the team discovered that The aforementioned institutions confirmed that McLaurin never graduated from their respective schools.
McLaurin has presided as the interim Executive Committee’s chair since February 2022. H however has resigned consequent to his false claims. In addition to resigning from his interim position, SBC will no longer consider him a candidate for the EC position.
Mclaurin however has admitted falsifying his résumé. He also apologized for his actions, imploring SBC members to “forgive” him “for the harm or hurt” he has caused.”
“To the Southern Baptists who have placed their confidence in me and have encouraged me to pursue the role of President & CEO of the SBC Executive Committee, including pastors, state partners, entity servants, colleagues, and SBC African American friends, I offer my deepest apologies,” wrote McLaurin quotes Baptist post.
“I am thankful for the trust that Southern Baptists placed in me to serve as Interim President & CEO. Now, I’m trusting Southern Baptists to pray for me and my family as we navigate this part of the journey.”
In a Thursday X post by SBC President Bart Barber, he acknowledged McLaurin’s apology, noting that he has forgiven him.
“Willie McLaurin:” he wrote, quoting McLaurin’s apology. “Please forgive me for the harm or hurt that this has caused.” Biblical Christianity offers you one and only one response to that plea, fellow Southern Baptists. Yes, Willie, I forgive you” he added.
Willie McLaurin: "Please forgive me for the harm or hurt that this has caused."
Biblical Christianity offers you one and only one response to that plea, fellow Southern Baptists. Yes, Willie, I forgive you.
— Bart Barber (@bartbarber) August 17, 2023