Dear Southern Baptists,
This announcement is one I neither expected nor wanted to make when I came to the SBC Executive Committee. In fact, it’s one that has not been made in 75 years.
But after prayerful deliberation, the Southern Baptist Convention officers, the SBC Executive Committee, and the executive heads of the Convention’s boards and institutions, acting in a body according to Article XI.4 of the SBC Constitution, have made the decision to cancel the 2020 SBC Annual Meeting, scheduled for June 9-10 in Orlando.
In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic which we believe constitutes a grave emergency, it is in the best interest of the SBC to cancel the Annual Meeting – for the first time in 75 years – out of a deep concern for the health and safety of messengers and attendees.
We are calling on all Southern Baptists to pray for an end to this global pandemic and that God will bring His Church together at this time to sharpen our focus like never before.
I realize many of you may have questions about logistics, refunds, or other events. The Executive Committee has published an initial FAQ and will continue to update that document as needed. Also, Baptist Press has more information about the cancellation. Read more here.
In closing, please remember this is not a time for Southern Baptists to shrink back in timidity and fearfulness or be paralyzed with uncertainty. This is not the time to retreat. This is a time for us to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in every town, every city, every state and every nation.
Now is the time to lead,
Ronnie Floyd
President and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee