Sutton Ain't Right

I am amazed that in the most public venue possible, the Associated Press, Jerry Sutton made two unbelievable statements that every alert and wise Southern Baptist should not let go unchallenged. Tim Whitmire, the AP reporter who interviewed Jerry, is a professional, and I'm sure the quotes are accurate, since I know Tim's style, having answered questions he sent to me this afternoon via email for an article he is writing this weekend.

Statement #1 from Jerry Sutton's AP Interview

{Begin Quote} " . . . a lot of people are concerned that he (Frank Page) really hasn't identified himself as a strong conservative over the years," Sutton said. "There's a suspicion and a concern there." {End Quote}

Unbelievable. It reminds me of the time I was refereeing a basketball game and saw a horrible foul and thought to myself "Somebody ought to call a foul!" when I realized I was the referee and I needed to call it myself.

I'm not a Southern Baptist referree, but if I were, I would throw a bright red flag and assess a fifteen yard penalty for unchristianlike conduct.

Suspicion? Of what? Liberalism?

Concern? Over what? __________ (Fill in the blank).

If you read my blog you will notice the theme from the beginning (December 2005) is that we must get to the place where Southern Baptists quit calling fellow evangelical conservatives -- who happen to disagree with our methodology or ideology -- "liberal."

Is this foul against Dr. Frank Page deliberate or unintentional? We might need to ask a Judge.


Statement #2 from Jerry Sutton's AP Interview

In answering a question about dissent Sutton said,

{Begin Quote} "Is this dissent meant to bring a correction or is this dissent meant to stir up trouble?" he said, adding he worries the confidentiality of trustees is violated when statements made in closed meetings are repeated on the Internet.

"There are some things that trustees need to keep confidential when they're working through issues," he said. {End Quote}

Jerry, what in the world do you mean? Do you know for yourself that statements made in confidential meetings are put on the internet?

Where? How? When? What?

No need to turn off the microphone. Just answer the questions.

Show the statements made in closed meetings that are repeated on the internet. I think you will find you can't prove your statements.

Confidentiality has not been breached.

Southern Baptists have a right to know what is going at their Boards and agencies. We all better get used to more openness because the SBC demands it.

Well, I couldn't go into Bible study tonight as we look at the prophet Jeremiah without challenging the public statements of Dr. Sutton. I would encourage you to read up on all the issues for yourself.

The convention needs informed messengers.

(UPDATE THURSDAY: It seems that some are saying the Dr. Sutton was only saying Dr. Page was not a "strong" conservative but a conservative none the less. Then please answer these two questions. (1). What, according to Sutton, is there to suspicion about Frank Page? (Notice how the word suspicion is used in the Brainy Dictionary under the definition of character: Possessing a moral quality; the principles and motives that control the life; as, a man of character; his character saves him from suspicion. ). (2). What, according to Sutton, is there to be concerned about in Frank Page? If Frank were saying Page were a conservative there would be no need for suspicion or concern).

In His Grace,


Wade Burleson