Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

Southern Baptists Advance Constitutional Amendment to Bar Women Pastors

Reapproval next year would lock the denomination’s long-held ban into its constitution, risking further church removals.

Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, submits a motion regarding women pastors during the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Attendees walk through the Orange County Convention Center during the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Attendees listen as presentations are discussed during the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Attendees hold up their ballots while voting on a motion during the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Overview

  • Messengers voted 6,028 to 2,026 to clear the amendment at the SBC annual meeting in Orlando on Wednesday, surpassing the two-thirds threshold needed to send it to a second vote next year.
  • The proposed text would require removal of any church that affirms, appoints, or endorses a woman serving in the office or function of pastor, specifically banning women from preaching to the assembled congregation.
  • Supporters led by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary president Albert Mohler framed the change as scriptural clarity, and delegates elected Willy Rice as SBC president in a result seen as aligned with the amendment effort.
  • Opponents were limited on the floor but advocacy groups such as Baptist Women in Ministry said the vote is harmful to women called to ministry and raised fears of increased harassment and expulsions; the denomination has already removed churches, including Saddleback, over ordaining women.
  • The amendment must win another two-thirds roll-call vote at the June 2027 annual meeting to become part of the SBC constitution, a decision that could reshape membership, governance and how the denomination handles churches that defy the rule.