Before the SBC found its way

James McClendon, in his second book on systematic theology, Doctrine, discusses the initial reason the Southern Baptist Convention steered clear of the World Council of Churches.

The courteous letter of regret is worth reading in full; I quote only one sentence: "The thousands of churches to which our Convention looks for support of its missionary, benevolent and educational program, cherish their independence and would disapprove of any attempted exercise of ecclesiastical authority over them [such as the proposed membership implied]"

I had to read that three times. Is this statement, from the SBC, actually embracing ecclesiastical diversity? Good thing that was corrected.