A grant was secured in 2018 from The Fetzer Institute for a project focused on courage, civility, and healthy democracy, a priority underscored in the 2011 SBC resolution,” On Civil Public Discourse.” The grant was for a total of $305,000 and was used to fund several specific projects.
First, the grant was used to fund a significant study by the ERLC in partnership with LifeWay Research called the “Faith and Healthy Democracy” project. The findings of the study were publicly reported, and a thorough analysis was prepared by Paul D. Miller, which is available on the ERLC website.
The ERLC then hosted several regional meetings to share the findings of the research and produced resources promoting those themes. In addition, the ERLC also hosted a similarly focused private convening of pastors and church leaders in Washington, D.C., in April 2019.
A large portion of the grant provided support for the work of The Unify Project, a ministry led by Southern Baptist leaders Fred Luter and Ed Litton, which aligns with the Southern Baptist Convention’s commitment to racial reconciliation. The Unify Project is a collaborative, community-based, transdenominational movement committed to equipping pastors and church leaders who are “burdened by the racial tension in their community” work with others in their community to “become the influential voice in [their] community that brings hope and healing in Jesus’ name.” The grant was used to produce resources, host events, and provide administrative support.
Lastly, a small portion of the grant covered costs related to the ERLC’s MLK50 event, including a dinner focused on racial unity.
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