The Baptist Paper has released a series of Explainer articles related to this year’s SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas.
What is the ERLC?
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is the entity of the Southern Baptist Convention tasked with representing the SBC’s beliefs and values in matters related to government, law and culture.
The ERLC’s mission is to assist SBC churches by helping them understand the moral demands of the gospel, apply Christian principles to moral and social problems and questions of public policy and to promote religious liberty in cooperation with churches and other Southern Baptist entities. It exists to bring hope to the public square — for the sake of the gospel.
Covered in this article:
- What does the ERLC do?
- What are the key areas of the ERLC’s work?
- What is the historical background of the ERLC?
- Why does the existence of the ERLC matter?
- What is the current discussion around the ERLC?
- What is the ERLC’s relationship to the SBC?
- Key terms to know
What does the ERLC do?
Government Advocacy
The ERLC engages with federal and sometimes state policymakers — such as members of Congress, the White House and regulatory agencies — on legislation and public policies that touch on moral, ethical and religious issues. It does this from a biblical perspective consistent with the SBC’s confession of faith.
Examples include:
- Supporting pro-life legislation.
- Defending religious liberty laws.
- Commenting on judicial nominations or legal rulings.
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Cultural Engagement
The ERLC speaks into major cultural conversations, helping churches and Southern Baptists think biblically about topics such as marriage, gender, sexuality, race, bioethics and justice.
This includes:
- Publishing articles and resources.
- Hosting conferences and panel discussions.
- Providing expert commentary in media outlets.
Representing Southern Baptists in the Public Square
The SBC does not have a hierarchical structure, so the ERLC does not speak for local churches in an authoritative way. Instead, it seeks to reflect and promote the consensus values of Southern Baptists as expressed through convention-adopted positions and the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
What are the key areas of ERLC’s work?
Religious Liberty
- Advocates for the protection of religious freedom for individuals and churches in the U.S. and globally.
- Engages in court cases and legislative efforts involving the First Amendment.
- Opposes government policies seen as infringing on religious expression (e.g., conscience protections for healthcare providers, freedom of worship laws).
Sanctity of Human Life
- Promotes a pro-life ethic from conception to natural death.
- Supports legislation and public policy efforts to restrict abortion and protect unborn children.
- Provides resources on bioethics, end-of-life care, adoption and foster care.
Marriage and Family
- Upholds a biblical view of marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
- Provides guidance and resources for strengthening family structures and parenting.
- Advocates on public policy issues related to marriage, gender, sexuality and family rights.
Human Dignity and Justice
- Addresses social and moral issues related to the dignity of all people as image-bearers of God.
- Works on issues such as:
- Human trafficking.
- Racial unity and reconciliation.
- Immigration and refugee care.
- Criminal justice reform.
- Disabilities advocacy.
Public Policy and Government Engagement
- Monitors and speaks into legislation, executive actions and judicial decisions affecting moral and ethical issues.
- Maintains a presence in Washington, D.C., to represent Southern Baptist convictions in the federal policymaking process.
- Collaborates with lawmakers, legal partners and other faith-based organizations.
Ethical Guidance and Resources
- Produces books, articles, podcasts, policy briefs and curriculum to help churches and individuals think biblically about complex moral topics.
- Hosts conferences and events to equip pastors and leaders on issues of cultural engagement.
International Religious Freedom
- Advocates for persecuted religious groups worldwide, including Christian minorities in regions experiencing oppression.
- Engages with U.S. government agencies and international coalitions on human rights concerns.
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What is the historical background of the ERLC?
The ERLC was originally founded in 1947 as the Christian Life Commission. In 1997, the SBC renamed it the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission to reflect its expanding public policy engagement. The commission is governed by a board of trustees elected by SBC messengers and is funded through the Cooperative Program.
Why does the existence of the ERLC matter?
The ERLC represents the SBC in Washington, D.C., and in public discourse on ethical and social issues.
Supporters see this role as crucial for advancing a biblical worldview in American society.
Critics question whether the ERLC’s positions always reflect the beliefs of the broader SBC and whether a denominational public policy arm is appropriate.
What is the current discussion around the ERLC?
Background
In recent years, some Southern Baptists have raised concerns about the ERLC’s direction, prompting calls to reduce or eliminate its funding through the Cooperative Program.
These calls have resulted in formal motions and resolutions brought to the SBC annual meeting.
Main Concerns and Criticisms
Critics of the ERLC argue:
- Political Alignment. Some messengers and leaders have expressed concern that the ERLC’s public positions are perceived as politically partisan or inconsistent with the views of many Southern Baptists.
- Representation. Critics argue that the ERLC may not adequately represent the diversity of opinions within the SBC.
- Stewardship. Questions have been raised about whether Cooperative Program funds should support advocacy work in the public square.
- Focus. Some wish to see greater emphasis on evangelism and missions and less on policy engagement.
Responses and Support
Supporters of the ERLC argue:
- The ERLC helps churches navigate complex moral issues in a rapidly changing culture.
- Its presence in Washington, D.C., gives Southern Baptists a voice in national policy discussions.
- It defends religious liberty for all, including international advocacy for persecuted Christians.
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What is the ERLC’s relationship to the SBC?
As an entity of the SBC, the ERLC is accountable to messengers in the following ways:
Board of Trustees
- The ERLC is governed by a board of trustees composed of individuals elected by messengers at the SBC annual meeting.
- These trustees are nominated by the SBC Committee on Nominations and serve staggered terms.
- The trustees provide oversight of the ERLC’s leadership, finances and direction. They evaluate the president’s performance and approve major initiatives.
- Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the ERLC operates in alignment with the SBC’s confession of faith, the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
Annual Reporting
- Each year at the SBC annual meeting, the ERLC presents a report to messengers. This report typically includes:
- A summary of the commission’s work over the past year.
- Financial and budgetary updates.
- Major initiatives and priorities.
- Responses to any motions referred to the ERLC by messengers in previous years.
- Messengers have the opportunity to ask questions about the report during the meeting.
Motions and Messenger Input
- Messengers may submit motions concerning the ERLC at the SBC annual meeting.
- While the Convention does not direct day-to-day operations of its entities, it can refer motions to the ERLC’s trustees or request reports.
- These mechanisms provide messengers with formal avenues to express concerns, suggest actions or request accountability.
Key terms to know
Cooperative Program: The primary funding mechanism for SBC entities, supported by churches voluntarily contributing through their state conventions.
Messenger: A representative elected by a local SBC-affiliated church to vote and participate at the SBC annual meeting.
Trustee: An individual elected by SBC messengers to govern one of the SBC’s national entities, including the ERLC.
Entity: An organization that operates under the direction of the Southern Baptist Convention, such as the ERLC, IMB, NAMB and the SBC seminaries.
Religious Liberty: The right to practice one’s religion freely without government interference, a core area of ERLC advocacy.
Public Policy: Laws, regulations and government actions that the ERLC engages with on behalf of Southern Baptists.
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