TRUSTEES CLARIFY TERMINATION

Trustees at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary said they removed the school’s president because of mismanagement of the institution, and doctrinal and policy differences that caused gridlock between him, and trustees and Southern Baptist Convention leadership.

In a statement to pastors and other groups, the board said Russell H. Dilday failed a number of requirements for the presidency, and that he declined a “generous golden parachute” retirement forcing board action.

The “golden parachute” offered to Dilday approached $400,000, according to board members.

“We had hoped and prayed he would accept early retirement for the good of all concerned, but he refused,” Weaver said.

“Mismanagement of relationships with both conservative and liberal segments of Southern Baptist life cannot be tolerated,” Weaver said. “Disobedience of rightful and legal authority is unacceptable. Dilday’s style of management with those in authority and to anyone taking a different position of issues was one of arrogance, isolationism and disdain for authority.”

Home