Dear Southern Baptist Family,

I am hereby withdrawing my name as a candidate for the SBC Presidency this summer. The last few days have been very difficult and I’ve found myself in an untenable position of watching people I love in a church I love done immeasurable harm simply because my name was being considered for this office. My calling is to my local church, my family and to the mission field God has given me. I wish to return my time and attention to those things. 

I do hope another candidate will emerge whose ministry has been characterized by leading in the local church with a passion for the Great Commission.

I will continue to contribute to Southern Baptist life and cooperative efforts where I am able, but my primary focus will be as the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church as long as God allows me to serve in that position. 

I am profoundly grateful to the many people who encouraged me and supported me over the last few weeks. Your kindness was far more than I deserve and I regret that I cannot fulfill your hopes for me to serve as SBC President.

The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever. I have been given far more than I have ever deserved and I am grateful to my many Southern Baptist friends whom I look forward to serving alongside for many years to come.

Blessings,

Willy Rice

Clearwater, Florida