Nashville, Tenn. ? The president of the National Religious Broadcasters resigned after complaints about a newspaper interview in which he said the group should not lose focus on spiritual issues as it pursues political goals.

The board of the broadcasters’ group voted last weekend to accept the resignation of Wayne Pederson, who had served in the post since October. Some of the group’s 1,490 members threatened to leave over what they perceived as Pederson’s desire to change the organization’s mission, which has traditionally been to take stands on a mix of spiritual and political issues.

Pederson said his comments were misunderstood, but he thought it would be best for the group if he resigned. He said he was “sad to leave, but we would be sadder still if a rift had resulted from this situation.”

Glen Plummer, chief executive officer for the broadcasters group, said the association has always spoken out on political, social and spiritual issues, while protecting Christian broadcasters’ access to airwaves.

“Any anxiety about a change in direction of NRB is unfounded,” Plummer said.