Southern Baptists Move to Strengthen Ban on Women Pastors
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The Southern Baptist Convention voted to strengthen its ban on women serving as church leaders and preachers by adding explicit language to its constitution stating churches do not "affirm, appoint or endorse" women as pastors.
- The proposal, introduced by R. Albert Mohler Jr., passed with 75 percent approval among approximately 8,000 votes at the annual convention.
- The measure requires a second vote next year with a two-thirds majority to be officially added to the denomination’s constitution.
- Supporters argued the clarification is necessary to address ongoing confusion about gender roles within the church.