The Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission has finally severed ties with the Soros-funded Evangelical Immigration Table, marking a decisive break from globalist influence within America’s largest Protestant denomination.
Story Highlights
- ERLC officially breaks with Evangelical Immigration Table after 13 years of partnership
- Acting President Miles Mullin cites need for “independent posture” on immigration policy
- Move distances SBC from George Soros-linked funding and progressive immigration advocacy
- Decision signals shift toward more conservative, autonomous approach to border security issues
ERLC Cuts Ties with Progressive Coalition
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission announced in September 2025 that it would end its 13-year partnership with the Evangelical Immigration Table. Acting President Miles Mullin told trustees the ERLC needed to “take a more independent posture on our immigration-related work.” The decision represents a significant departure from the coalition approach that has characterized evangelical immigration advocacy since 2012, when former ERLC President Richard Land helped establish the organization.
Soros Funding Raises Conservative Concerns
The Evangelical Immigration Table has faced persistent criticism for its connections to organizations linked to billionaire George Soros, whose Open Society Foundations fund numerous progressive causes. Conservative evangelicals have long expressed concerns about outside influence on immigration policy within their denominations. The funding controversy has intensified scrutiny of partnerships between evangelical organizations and coalitions that receive support from liberal philanthropists, raising questions about maintaining doctrinal and political independence.
Southern Baptists Chart Independent Course
The ERLC’s break from the EIT signals the Southern Baptist Convention’s desire to develop its own immigration stance without external pressure. Research from Lifeway shows most evangelicals support border security while also favoring keeping families together and providing pathways to citizenship for law-abiding undocumented immigrants. Scott McConnell from Lifeway Research noted that evangelicals oppose prioritizing deportation except for those convicted of violent crimes or posing national security threats.
Implications for Evangelical Policy Influence
This split may fragment evangelical advocacy on immigration issues but could also strengthen conservative voices within the movement. The ERLC’s independence may inspire other faith-based organizations to reconsider partnerships with progressive-funded coalitions. The decision comes as President Trump returns to office with renewed focus on border security and immigration enforcement. Conservative evangelicals increasingly demand that their institutions align with constitutional principles and American sovereignty rather than globalist agendas promoted by foreign billionaires.
Southern Baptist Entity Finally Announces Split from Soros-Backed Group!https://t.co/HUkubZgURV
— Paul Phillips (@carolinastreet) September 23, 2025
The move demonstrates growing awareness among conservative Christians about the importance of maintaining independence from progressive influence operations. As the largest Protestant denomination in America, the SBC’s policy positions carry significant weight in evangelical and political circles, making this break particularly meaningful for the broader conservative movement.
Sources:
Baptist Standard – ERLC breaks ties with the Evangelical Immigration Table
The Baptist Record – Diverse ethnic SBC fellowships issue joint statement on immigration
Christian Post – ERLC cuts ties with Evangelical Immigration Table
