Press Release

The Executive Committee
of the
Southern Baptist Convention

Statement of the President
Frank Page
on Chapel Speakers, Trustee Protocol, and Entity Cooperation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Several persons have asked my opinion regarding a recent chapel address by the Rev. Dwight McKissic at Southwestern Seminary on August 29. As I have not heard that chapel address, I cannot speak to specific issues in the speech.

However, reaction to the speech has prompted an interesting array of comments. I can speak to some of the broader issues that seem to have come forth from this occurrence.

The President and staff of SWBTS are in an awkward situation. My prayers go out to them. I love Southwestern Seminary and wish God’s greatest blessings on the school and its president. While some may question the handling of this situation, please remember that they are trying to be fair, even under great pressure.

While some may see this as a negative occurrence, there are some very positive outcomes if we choose to deal with this in a godly, mature, and appropriate fashion.

1. We must affirm the principal of theological discussion, even debate, within our seminaries. While there are certain bedrock doctrines that must be affirmed without debate within the Baptist family, there are many issues which are open to interpretation. I am very thankful for Southwestern’s stance that they do not “instruct its chapel speakers about what they can or cannot say.”

2. It is very encouraging to know that Southwestern Seminary joins this president in strongly asserting that they do not need to be in a place which “appears to be critical of the actions of the board of trustees of a sister agency. “  I believe that both professional staff and trustees need to be very respectful about the issues and stances of other entity Trustee boards and professional staff. While it is certainly appropriate for there to be disagreement and even debate, professional protocol needs to be observed when one is dealing with disagreements, particularly in(but not limited to) a public setting. 

 Obviously, SWBTS recognizes this. I believe that this public recognition will help our entire convention in the days ahead.

I pray that all the Southern Baptists will continue our prayer support for Southwestern Seminary and Dr. Paige Patterson.

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