EDITOR’S NOTE (May 9, 2025) — The following news brief remains the same as how it was summarized and reported on March 6, but new understandings and developments on May 9 provided more context to the situation. The Baptist Paper and The Alabama Baptist shared coverage that helps explain the situation and reports on Randy Covington’s decision to remain in the role until his planned September retirement date along with the ABRN board’s affirmation of that decision.
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Randy Covington has resigned as executive director and treasurer of the Alaska Baptist Resource Network (ABRN) after apologizing for comments made regarding the Southern Baptist Convention’s decision to deem his home church, Rabbit Creek Church, not in friendly cooperation with the SBC.
Covington, who had planned to retire in September, stepped down on Feb. 27, seven months early. His resignation follows his Feb. 25 apology for expressing disappointment in the SBC’s ruling and stating that Rabbit Creek Church does not hold egalitarian views. He admitted his frustration clouded his judgment and clarified he does not support Baptist Women in Ministry, which advocates for women in pastoral roles.
Covington’s resignation concludes more than 30 years of service in Southern Baptist leadership, including his role with ABRN since 2016. Rabbit Creek Church, deemed not in friendly cooperation due to its support of women in ministry, does not plan to appeal the SBC’s decision.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story is a summary of a report originally published by Baptist Press.
