Brent Leatherwood Resigns as ERLC President; Miles Mullin Named Interim Leader

Brent Leatherwood stepped down on July 31, 2025, as President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention, after nearly nine years with the organization. The ERLC Board of Trustees accepted his resignation in a special meeting in Nashville, naming Miles Mullin, Vice President and Chief of Staff, as Acting President.

Leatherwood began at ERLC in 2017 as Director of Strategic Partnerships, served as Acting President in 2021, and was confirmed as President in 2022. His departure arrives shortly after Messengers at the SBC’s annual meeting voted 43% in favor of abolishing the ERLC, a proposal that ultimately failed, signaling deep concern within the denomination.

Scott Foshie, Chairman of the Board, praised Leatherwood’s leadership for its “loving courage in the face of a divisive and increasingly polarizing culture in America” and for being a “faithful missionary to the public square” amid attack on biblical values.

In his farewell, Leatherwood said it was time to “close this chapter” and expressed gratitude to Southern Baptist churches for their support and sacrificial giving. He said it was his honor to guide the ERLC in a way that served churches, honored the Lord, and shaped culture for the better.

Leatherwood highlighted several accomplishments under his leadership, including:

• Placing 40 ultrasound machines in pregnancy resource centers via the Psalm 139 Project
• Submitting amicus briefs on cases related to life, religious liberty, gender identity, parental rights, and pornography protection
• Advocating for and contributing to defunding Planned Parenthood in the 2025 federal budget
• Leading multiple delegations of SBC pastors to Capitol Hill
• Presenting a policy letter to the Trump administration’s transition team, several items of which were enacted.

He reaffirmed the ERLC’s principled approach of matching conviction with kindness, rooted in Scripture, and grounded in 1 Peter 3:15–16, honoring the dignity of every person. Leatherwood did not disclose his next assignment, saying only that he will respond to where “the Lord is calling me next.”

Trustees also reflected on challenges during his tenure. In July 2024, a miscommunication led ERLC leadership to briefly announce Leatherwood's removal after he praised President Biden for ending his reelection bid — a move later reversed by the Board.

Multiple SBC leaders echoed their support. Mitch Kimbrell commended Leatherwood for fighting “vigorously and victoriously for life,” especially in defunding Planned Parenthood and placing ultrasound machines. Heather Sells, Matthew Morgan, Anthony Cox, and Eric Costanzo praised his steady leadership, integrity, and commitment to equipping believers to act biblically in the public square.

With Leatherwood’s exit, trustees will begin a formal search for a permanent president. Miles Mullin—a former ERLC trustee and academic with leadership experience at seminaries—serves as Acting President and does not intend to stand for the permanent role.

The ERLC’s path ahead remains uncertain, but incoming leadership will face pressure to rebuild trust with local churches and reaffirm its mission amid ongoing debate within the SBC over cultural engagement and institutional identity.