Following revelations that he lied on his resume about his credentials, Willie McLaurin has resigned his position as interim president and CEO of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention.
In his resignation letter, McLaurin apologized and asked for forgiveness from not only senior officials within the organization, but also members of the entire Southern Baptist Convention.
“In a recent resume that I submitted, it included schools that I did not attend or complete the course of study,” McLaurin said in the letter that was sent to Executive Committee trustees and staff. “Recently, this was confirmed.
“I am submitting to those in Christ who desire to help me undergo a season of restoration and accountability, as led by my pastor and local church,” his letter continued. “I apologize to Southern Baptists who have placed their confidence in me and have encouraged me to pursue the role of President and CEO of the SBC. To them, I offer my deepest apologies. Please forgive me for the hurt this has caused.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Southern Baptist Convention President Bret Barber responded to McLaurin’s letter with a graceful heart.
“Biblical Christianity offers you one and only one response to that plea, fellow Southern Baptists. Yes, Willie, I forgive you.”
On his resume, ChurchLeaders.com reported, McLaurin listed false degrees from North Carolina Central University, Duke University Divinity School and Hood Theological Seminary.
McLaurin served the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board for 15 years before joining the SBC Executive Committee in 2020. {eoa}
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Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.
