The Rev. Willie McLaurin, interim president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee for the previous 18 months, abruptly resigned Thursday after admitting to mendacity about his tutorial credentials.

The first Black to move the group that handles issues for America’s largest Protestant denomination outdoors of an annual enterprise session, the pastor and management coach was thought-about a number one contender for everlasting appointment.

Mr. McLaurin stepped into the highest slot in February 2022, three months after the Rev. Ronnie Floyd resigned, citing legal responsibility issues because the 13.2 million-member denomination handled allegations of sexual abuse that spanned many years. In 2022, Southern Baptists launched a report detailing lots of of circumstances of abuse. Mr. McLaurin had been an govt committee vp. 

The seek for a everlasting president and CEO stalled earlier this yr when questions have been raised in regards to the course of that chosen the Rev. Jared Wellman of Texas because the nominee. Committee members voted 31-50 on the nomination, and his candidacy failed.

Mr. McLauren mentioned in his resignation letter, “In a recent resume that I submitted, it included schools that I did not attend or complete the course of study.”

Mr. McLaurin claimed levels from North Carolina Central University, Duke University Divinity School and Hood Theological Seminary, the official Baptist Press information company reported. In the course of performing “vetting and due diligence,” the search committee “discovered [the] disqualifying information” about his tutorial file, govt committee Chairman Philip Robertson mentioned in an announcement.

“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,” Mr. McLaurin mentioned within the letter. “Please forgive me for the harm or hurt that this has caused.”

Mr. Robertson mentioned, “The need for God’s wisdom and direction is paramount at each and every point in the process of searching and selecting the next President and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee.”

He additionally requested Baptists to wish for the committee employees “and the McLaurin family” and promised “further updates” on the search course of “in a commitment to transparency.”

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