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"We're sad to leave, but [my wife Norma and I] would even be sadder still if this breaks NRB apart," he said, referring to some members' suggestion that they might leave the association. "However you may feel about the issues, as they've been reported and greatly exaggerated, I trust that you will unite around a common cause. Preaching the gospel is our highest priority. And in doing that, and adopting a biblical standard, we will impact the culture. Setting our spiritual priorities in such a way, we will impact our culture with the gospel." The NRB board gave Pederson a standing ovation after his remarks.

Pederson encouraged the members to work at reaching the postmodern culture and to use new technologies.

Plummer said the executive committee will soon agree on a severance package for Pederson and begin to consider options for an interim leader.

After the vote, a supporter of Pederson, Jerry Croucher, general manager of WAKW, an FM radio station in Cincinnati told the NRB board, "I'm very disappointed with the actions that were taken, but it's time to go forward.

"If the National Religious Broadcasters is perceived by the public as the National Conservative Broadcasters, then our fortunes will rise and fall with the conservative movement in this country.

"I would much rather put my faith and my hope in Christ, and him alone, not Christ and something else, even if it is something as important as my conservative [beliefs] … That's a weakness that we as Christians have. We should transcend politics. We should point to Christ, and to him alone."

LaTonya Taylor is editorial resident for Christianity Today.

Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

See Friday's Christianity Today article, "Politics May Splinter NRB."

The NRB controversy began following Pederson's comments in a January 5 article in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Christianity Today's Weblog covered the NRB dispute as it became public last month.

Other news coverage includes:

Pederson steps down at NRB — WorldNetDaily (Feb. 18, 2002)

Christian broadcast group accepts leader's resignation — The Tennessean (Feb. 18, 2002)

A healthy debate — World (Feb. 15, 2002)

NRB president submits resignation — WorldNetDaily (Feb. 14, 2002)

Wayne Pederson criticized for comments on NRB role — Star-Tribune (Feb. 3, 2002)

Row among nation's religious broadcasters — WorldNetDaily (Jan. 22, 2002)

Christian Broadcaster Critical of Comments by NRB Head — Agape Press (Jan. 21, 2002)

NRB's official Web site has more information on the organization's convention held this past weekend in Nashville. The site also includes a press release on Pederson's selection as president and COO and an interview with him.

In April, Christianity Today covered NRB's breakaway from the NAE after 57 years of association.

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February (Web-only) 2002, Vol. 46