June 24, 2002
Neely leaving SBU, may lead convention
___BOLIVAR, Mo.--A former Texas Baptist university professor has resigned from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo., apparently due to his support for a new state Baptist convention in Missouri.
___H.K. Neely, founding dean of Logsdon School of Theology at Hardin-Simmons University, has been vice president for denominational relations and dean of the Redford College at Southwest Baptist University since 1998.
___Although Neely's current contract expires Aug. 31, he will leave his post June 30. The university will not renew the contract, according to President Pat Taylor, who told staff in a memo that Neely "elected to retire."
___But Neely told the Executive Board of the new Baptist General Convention of Missouri June 14 that he did not voluntarily retire. Neely is being considered for the executive director's post of the new convention.
___Southwest Baptist University, which is affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention, is not among five state convention agencies that declared self-perpetuating boards to avoid takeover by fundamentalists who now control the historic state convention.
___Since a new convention was established by churches disaffected by the change in leadership in the existing convention, Neely publicly expressed support for the new convention. The Baptist Standard published an opinion piece by Neely on this subject in its May 13 issue.
___Neely said he discussed with Taylor his intention to support the new convention and offered to resign "if it will embarrass you or the school." However, he was asked to stay, he said.
___That sentiment apparently didn't last, however. Southwest Baptist University will give Neely a year's salary and benefits as a severance package and may allow him to teach if he chooses.
___Neely said he probably will not return to the Missouri school's classrooms.
___"I have no intention of being bitter," he said. "I have no intention of hurting SBU, the school I love. I have no intention of polarizing my friends."
___In a meeting with leaders of the new Missouri convention, Neely said he would need a "burning-bush experience" before accepting the position as executive director.
___However, he affirmed his support for the effort. "I do believe firmly in what we're doing as the Baptist General Convention of Missouri," he said. "This can be a convention for those who hate conventions. It's an opportunity to re-establish who Baptists really are and what our heritage is."
___Neely, 68, told board members that if he accepts the position he would help the convention establish a clear identity, publicize the new convention and raise money.
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