by Sandy » Sat Jul 08, 2006 11:30 am
There are several issues that are part of this situation. One is the way which the IMB handles theological issues, particularly "private prayer language." The other is the issue of information. There is apparently quite a difference of opinion over how open SBC trustee boards need to be in conducting their business and, if you read some of the blogs and their comments, there has been far too much secrecy. The third issue, again raised by the bloggers, is whether there will be any response from trustees to those who are advocating a change in the standard M.O. of a small group controlling how all business is conducted.
I wouldn't underestimate Burleson. Some of those blogs are taking lots of hits per day, and there are lots of them. His voice will be heard by the grassroots. Personally, I think he has shown a lot of tact and restraint in the way he posts. If the IMB trustee leadership isn't careful, he will become "the cause."
I think the best course for the trustees would have been "business as usual." Put Burleson on a committee. Make an honest effort to work through the differences. Instead, they seem bent on punishing him out of their anger over the fact that he got out of line, stood up for what he believed and then had the audacity to inform the people who are paying the bills about what was going on. He acted, well, like a trustee. The way they are handling this, however, looks like they are taking orders from someone else....