Read the MBC Legal Opinion Task Force Report

In response to a motion passed by messengers at the 2001 Annual Meeting of the Missouri Baptist Convention, regarding the 5 MBC Agencies that had Trustee Boards vote to become self-perpetuating, the MBC Executive Board created a Legal Opinion Task Force. The Legal Opinion Task Force selected Michael K. Whitehead as legal counsel and charged him with the responsibility of choosing three of the top legal firms in Missouri to give independent opinions. 

 

The result of this process was a unanimous verdict by all the law firms: the unauthorized amendments to agency charters violated Missouri law. This is not a "gray area" or a "close question." The law is clear that the Missouri Baptist Convention has the legal right to control these agencies. The Legal Opinion Task Force has prepared a summary of the major findings of fact and conclusions of law.

Mo. Convention Ends Ties to Word & Way Newsjournal

"Southern Baptists in Missouri will soon have a new official newsjournal, apparently marking an end to its 105-year relationship with the Word & Way.

"By a solid majority on a voice vote, members of the Missouri Baptist Convention executive board moved April 9 to establish a new newsjournal as its official publication effective immediately. However, the board left open the possibility of the Word & Way returning as the MBC's official newspaper."

5 Entities' Trustees Acted Illegally, Mo. Convention Legal Opinions Report

"Prior to the trustee actions, three entities' charters (The Baptist Home, Missouri Baptist College and Missouri Baptist Foundation) required that the charters could only be amended with the approval of the MBC. The opinions go on to say Missouri law requires that any charter changes must have the 'written' approval of the MBC and that the trustee actions were invalid because the MBC did not approve in writing, 'but expressly disapproved in writing.'"