'My job is to represent Jesus Christ': 6 things to know about SBC President Ed Litton

By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Assistant Editor Thursday, June 17, 2021

2) A self-professed complementarian

Litton identified himself as a complementarian at a press conference with reporters following his election Tuesday. He said he affirms the denomination’s statement of faith, which declares “the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.”

When asked about a controversial series of sermons on marriage he preached with his wife, Litton stressed that the SBC’s statement of faith provides autonomy for local churches on such issues.

“My wife is an apt teacher, and she helps me communicate to our people," he explained. "She also provides a voice that our people need to hear. And so I felt absolutely free within my convictional status with Baptist faith and message and Word of God to invite my wife to come up. She is under my authority as a pastor. And so we did that together, and I’m very proud of her. She did an outstanding job.”

When asked if churches that ordain women as ministers can be part of the SBC going forward, Litton replied, “That’s something we’re going to have to work out.”