Rev. Brad Braxton resigns as minister of Riverside Church from WSLS NEWS STAFF
A minister from our area, who became the Senior Minister of Riverside Church in New York City last November announces his resignation.
Rev. Braxton is originally from Salem and was first ordained at First Baptist Church.
Last August he was unanimously selected by the church's search committee to lead their congregation.
Riverside Church is known around the world and has hosted Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, and former U.S. Presidents.
Rev. Braxton wrote the following letter to his congregation:
Dear Riversiders:
After considerable prayer and reflection, I believe that resigning my position as Senior Minister of the Riverside Church is the right thing to do for the congregation, my family, and me at this time. My hope is that the congregation will be able to address its internal tensions so that the church, along with a new Senior Minister, will be able to move forward in unity.
I was honored to be called to serve at the Riverside Church because of the church's longstanding tradition of robust social activism. As a progressive Christian, I believe that we are called to seek social justice in this world and that there are two ways we can do this: we can do it with deeds, and we can do it with creeds. My entire career has been marked with both kinds of social justice work. As a pastor, I have implemented programs that serve marginalized communities. As a biblical scholar, I have analyzed the scripture to reveal how traditional interpretations of the Bible have led to those communities being marginalized in the first place.
I came to Riverside to serve as a pastor and to promote serious engagement with scripture that would reignite the spiritual inspiration underlying the church's social activism. My election as Senior Minister by an overwhelming margin indicated a promising relationship based on the congregation's goals and my gifts of ministry.
Yet in the midst of Riverside's noble work for peace and justice, the congregation has struggled publicly for decades about the kind of church that it should be and the kind of pastor who should be its voice. In recent months, these struggles have created a level of antagonism within the congregation that undermines the community's efforts to embody harmony in the name of Jesus Christ. The consistent discord has made it virtually impossible to establish a fruitful covenant between the congregation and me that facilitates the flourishing of the congregation, the broader community, and my family.
I encourage the members of Riverside to strive diligently to heal these longstanding divisions within the congregation. New York City, the United States, and indeed the world need a vibrant, unified Riverside Church. As the Riverside Church journeys onward, may the fruit of the Spirit be in great abundance in the congregation – "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Church Council and I have begun a respectful process that will enable us to dissolve the covenant in a way that glorifies God and preserves the dignity and Christian witness of all parties involved. Rest assured that I will execute my pastoral duties with diligence, enthusiasm, and professionalism until my resignation takes effect. Lazetta and Karis join me in expressing our gratitude for your support. May God, the eternal and compassionate Shepherd, guide us safely through this season of transition and transformation.
Grace and Peace,
The Reverend Brad R. Braxton, Ph.D.
Senior Minister
In response the church released this letter to the congreation:
Dear Riversiders,
It is with sadness and understanding that the Church Council accepts the resignation of the Rev. Dr. Brad Braxton as Senior Minister of the Riverside Church. Dr. Braxton brings a remarkable combination of social justice activism, profound spirituality, and intensive scholarship that complements our institution's vision of being an interdenominational, interracial, and international faith community, and we have been blessed to have him serve as our Senior Minister.
Dr. Braxton's decision to step down has illuminated the need for our Church community to gain clarity on our shared mission, and the Church Council is looking forward to engaging with the congregation in the deep soul-searching and conversations that will allow us to move forward as a stronger, more unified congregation.
I hope you will join me and the other Council members in wishing Brad, Lazetta and Karis the best for their journey. And I ask you to participate with the Church Council, the staff, clergy, and commissions as we enter a period of reflection, transition, and renewal.
