The Southern Baptist Convention, the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, is considering a constitutional amendment to formally ban churches with women pastors. This amendment, proposed by Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky, would provide clarity and prevent long debates on the issue.
Background
The Southern Baptist Convention’s statement of belief, the Baptist Faith and Message, opposes women pastors. However, its churches are independent, and the denomination can’t tell them what to do. The denomination can exclude a church from its ranks, and it has already expelled some churches with women in senior pastoral positions.
The currently proposed amendment would specifically ban churches where women have the office of pastor or are functioning as one, including “preaching to the assembled congregation.” Southern Baptist leaders cite biblical passages they say clearly limit the role of pastor to men. However, advocates for women in pastoral roles argue that biblical passages empower women to share the gospel.
A billboard near the convention center, sponsored by Baptist Women in Ministry, reads, “God calls women to pastor, preach and minister.” The messengers are also expected to vote on resolutions that condemn antisemitism and call for humane treatment of migrants while affirming the legitimacy of immigration enforcement.
Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.
