Southern Baptist Convention censures dissenting opinion

Anyone surprised?

The Southern Baptist Convention has censured one of its preachers, Wade Burleson, for "multiple violations" of the organization’s International Mission Board's policy.

From the article: "The censure motion stated that Burleson had 'repeatedly failed' to abide by provisions in the code of conduct adopted in March 2006 governing trustee service, including requirements that trustees 'refrain from public criticism of Board approved actions' and 'scrupulously avoid either the fact or the appearance' of having disclosed information or private conversations from trustees meetings.

The motion also cited requirements that trustees 'speak in positive and supportive terms as they interpret and report on actions by the board, regardless of whether they personally support the action' and that trustees 'are to refrain from speaking in disparaging terms about IMB personnel and fellow trustees.'"

I understand that there isn't an issue from the committee's perspective: their rules are cut and dry. However, the censure raises questions of how the "committee" actually functions; what is the point of a committee if there is to be no disagreement on its decisions?

Here's Burleson's own take on the matter.