Prominent Southern Baptist Russell Moore has won the backing of Baptists in Louisiana after apologising for divisions caused by his criticisms of President Donald Trump, Baptist Press reports.

The Louisiana Baptist Convention executive board looked at 'issues of concern' around Moore, who heads the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. Louisiana has commended Moore for 'confessing his failings' has also urged him to 'listen carefully and respectfully to Southern Baptists even as we listen to him.'

Russell Moore has been at the centre of controversy over allegedly being disrespectful of evangelical supporters of Donald Trump.

Moore told Baptist Press: 'I've had a great time talking with Louisiana Baptist leadership about the ways the Gospel intersects with our cultural moment. As I told their leaders recently, too, I look forward as always to partnering with Louisiana Baptists for the sake of the Great Commission and the cause of Christ.'

Two months ago, Moore publicly apologised 'for failing to distinguish' in some instances between Trump supporters who appeared to compromise core Christian principles –and those who did not.

It was this apology that convinced the Louisiana Baptists to commend Moore for 'confessing his failings' that led to a 'serious breach of fellowship' among Southern Baptists.