Letters: Women in ministry and Johnny Hunt’s return

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RE: Editorial: Women in ministry still a question for BGCT

I’d like to thank Eric Black for his recent editorial on the Baptist General Convention of Texas and women in ministry.

Since the initial statement in 1998 affirming God’s calling of men and women equally, the overlapping constituency of the BGCT and Southern Baptist Convention has meant the BGCT has been decidedly muted on its initially clear statement.

I have taught in Texas Baptist life for most of my career, first at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary, second as the T.B. Maston Chair of Christian Ethics at Hardin-Simmons University’s Logsdon Seminary, and now as the Director of the Baptist Studies Center at Abilene Christian University. In those 15 years, there has been quiet support from many for women at all levels of leadership, but not the clear and vocal affirmation many of my former students and colleagues have needed.

The BGCT indeed has faithfully scholarshipped, platformed and employed women at various levels within the organization. But when it comes time for my female students to look for ministry positions, they frequently find themselves having to look outside of Texas Baptist life, beyond the institutions and denomination that has supported and nurtured them. If they do not hear a clear voice supporting them from denominational leadership, their desire to minister fully within BGCT spaces will continue to be thwarted.

The day is coming and is now here for the BGCT to be clear in its affirmations of women in ministry leadership. I only hope that clarity is not too little too late.

Myles Werntz, associate professor of theology and director of Baptist Studies
Abilene Christian University

RE: Hunt defiantly returns to the pulpit after abuse allegations

“Hunt denied the allegations at first, then claimed the incident was a consensual encounter.”

I do not believe it was consensual, as most men claim this when they are caught. Even if it was, it still is considered a sexual offence, as he was a married man.

“See that no one is sexually immoral” (Hebrews 12:16).


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“I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people” (1 Corinthians 5:9).

How dare he use Psalm 119 in his case, as I believe he is guilty.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Hunt and those four men who reinstated him had no right to do so, and there is nothing in the Bible that states they could do this. These men also believe themselves to be above God by disputing his words where the Bible says no one who is sexually immoral can be a minister.

Debbie Vasquez
Weatherford, Texas


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