Church leadership announced that a new senior pastor was not hired because the nominee failed to meet the 85% approval threshold. Marcus Hayes, an African-American who is on staff at Biltmore Church in the Asheville, North Carolina area, was the candidate. The final vote was 81 percent in favor and 19 percent against. The church staff alleged that racism was behind the rejection. However, no evidence of racism has yet been produced. In fact, concerned church members have come forward to reveal the questions and concerns they had about the nominee. Their considerations related to legitimate theological, moral, and political issues.
Briefing: What You Need to Know About the First Baptist Naples Crisis
