Church suspends anti-'woke' pastor accused of launching anonymous online 'slander' attacks

A prominent Calvinist pastor, Josh Buice, who previously left the Southern Baptist Convention over what he described as its growing liberalism and “wokeness,” has now been suspended by his own church. The decision follows revelations that he allegedly operated anonymous social media accounts used to attack fellow church elders and pastors connected to a conference he organized.

Buice was the founder of the G3 Conference, which describes itself as a "content producing ministry to educate, encourage, and equip the church through resources and events for the glory of God and pastor at Pray’s Mill Baptist Church in Douglasville, Georgia."

Religion News Service reported Monday that Buice played a key role in drafting the 2018 “Statement on Social Justice,” which argued that progressive views on race — especially critical race theory — and gender roles were making inroads into evangelical circles.

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The document reportedly emerged shortly after a major gathering of prominent evangelical figures in Memphis, held to mark the 50th anniversary of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination and to confront ongoing racism within the church.

Buice was particularly vocal in his criticism of former Southern Baptist ethicist Russell Moore and Bible teacher Beth Moore (no relation), accusing them of advancing liberal theology. He also took aim at former SBC President Ed Litton, alleging he had plagiarized sermons.

Buice was placed on indefinite leave last week after church officials reportedly discovered conclusive proof that, over the past three years, he had managed multiple anonymous online platforms.

These included four social media accounts, two email addresses, and two Substack blogs.

According to the church’s statement, “These accounts were used to publicly and anonymously slander numerous Christian leaders, including faithful pastors (some of whom have spoken at G3 conferences), several PMBC elders, and others.”

“Since then, Josh has acknowledged his sin, expressed sorrow, and asked for forgiveness,” according to the church’s statement. “His desire is to personally ask forgiveness of every person he has slandered or lied to.”