An apology has been extended by International Mission Board President
Jerry Rankin to SBC Executive Committee President Morris H. Chapman for
stating that Chapman viewed cooperation among Southern Baptists as more
important than fulfilling the Great Commission.
Rankin, in a post to his weblog March 15, wrote that "I made a major mistake" in an earlier blog that "insinuated he [Chapman] was not committed to the Great Commission."
"I apologize and accept full responsibility for this egregious implication due to letting my passion for this topic not only erode objectivity in writing but to personalize the issue as a perceived attack on a friend and colleague," Rankin wrote. "There is no question about Morris' commitment to the Great Commission. He has always been a strong supporter of the IMB." Rankin also stated that Chapman's "passionate appeal" in his retirement announcement in February "for a renewed impetus on evangelism in the local church characterized what has been the priority of his life and leadership."
Chapman, in a statement to Baptist Press March 16, said, "I have known Jerry for many years and am grateful for his faithful service to Southern Baptists with the International Mission Board. In reading his most recent blog entry, I appreciate that he retracted the personal remarks he had made in an earlier posting."
Rankin, in the blog containing his apology, noted that "the point of the post" had been: "whatever is priority determines what we do and whether or not we are willing to change what we do" to "reflect Kingdom priorities." The "primary issue," Rankin wrote, is: "how can we do more to reach a lost world at home and abroad unless we are willing to make some changes in how things are done."
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Source: Art Toalston, Baptist Press
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