Mohler Receives Backing

by Art Toalston                                                                                  Vol. VII, No. 9, November 1994

R. Albert Mohler, Jr., who sought the resignation of associate professor of theology Molly Marshall, has received a laudatory statement endorsed with four pages of signatures from pastors and laymen. Mohler, just a year into his presidency of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, requested the resignation of Marshall, a 10-year faculty member; otherwise, Mohler told her, he would initiate formal proceedings against her for teaching outside the seminary's doctrinal Abstract of Principles.

The statement of affirmation of Mohler was circulated by three pastors in Louisville, KY: Michael Routt of Eastern Gate Baptist Church, Bill Hancock of Highview Baptist Church and a former chairman of the Foreign Mission Board, and Terry Sammons of New Heights Baptist Church. The statement made no direct mention of Marshall, but a cover letter penned by Routt did. "This statement of affirmation is a response to the harsh criticism

Dr. Mohler has received recently as a result of the resignation of Dr. Molly Marshall," Routt stated. In his letter Routt also commented, "If time had permitted, hundreds of other names could have been added.... So often the majority is silent. Because of this ... we desire everyone to know that the majority of Southern Baptists are grateful to God for Dr. Mohler's visionary and creative leadership. ..."

The statement itself commends Mohler "for his strong, non-compromising, visionary leadership. We are deeply grateful to God for his interpretation and defense of the Abstract of Principles as intended by the founding fathers of this world renowned institution. In exercising the responsibilities of his office, Dr. Mohler has manifested both courage and integrity in a Christ-like manner. We commend Dr. Mohler for the serious manner in which he views the accountability of his office to grass-roots Southern Baptists. In fulfilling these

responsibilities, difficult decisions must be made. Hence, conflict is inevitable. Yet Dr. Mohler displays courage to look beyond the conflict at the long-term results."

The statement marks the second time since the resignation that Mohler has achieved affirmation. Members of the SBC Executive Committee approved a resolution during their 19-20 Sep. meeting affirming Mohler, although not mentioning the controversy over Marshall's resignation. The resolution, presented by James Merritt, pastorof First Bapti st Church, Snellville, GA, stated, "Dr. Mohler's sensitivity to the concerns, intents, and purposes of the supporting constituency of the seminary ... and the trustees duly elected by the Southern Baptist Convention reflects the kind of servant leadership and commitment to Christ and to our Baptist and evangelical faith that will, in our perspective, maintain Southern Seminary as an institution of distinctive academic recognition." [BP]

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