RE: 'Outsider' takes helm of the Southern Baptist Convention

Wow. This is surprising. Even the SBC's getting 'liberal' - comparatively, at least.

Compared to what? Once again, my inside SBC sources tell me this guy is very definitely a conservative Baptist (whatever that is). Don't look for them to start recognizing homosexual marriages or welcoming homosexual pastors. I don't see them turning into anti-war pacifists any time soon, either.

One thing I've always wondered about the Baptists: they put a lot of emphasis on their churches being independent. They don't ordain their pastors, nor do they require baptism or a confession of faith. Yet they have this convention and they elect a national leader and expect churches that call themselves Southern Baptist to toe the party line. How can a denomination be non-denominational?