Willie McLaurin is kicked out as head of the Southern Baptist Convention
Southern Baptist Convention leader Willie McLaurin has resigned as interim executive president and CEO of the denomination’s executive commission after he lied his resume.Â
McLaurin claimed he earned degrees from North Carolina Central University, Duke University Divinity School, and Hood Theological Seminary.
He never obtained a degree from any of the schools mentioned. He was appointed to an interim role in February 2022.
McLaurin apologized for lying. The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest Christian denomination in the United States. It is based in Nashville.
In a statement to Baptist Press, McLaurin said, “I am thankful for the trust that Southern Baptists placed in me to serve as Interim President & CEO. Now, I am trusting Southern Baptists to pray for me and my family as we navigate this part of the journey.”
McLaurin was named to the interim role on Feb. 1, 2022, stepping into the position that had been vacated three months earlier by Ronnie Floyd due to a sex scandal.