INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Southern Baptists narrowly rejected a proposal on Wednesday to include a ban on churches with women pastors in their constitution. Opponents argued that it was unnecessary as the denomination already has a process for addressing such issues.
The vote received 61% support from delegates but did not reach the required two-thirds supermajority. This reversed a previous preliminary vote in favor of the official ban.
The Southern Baptist Convention still maintains its official doctrinal statement limiting the role of pastor to men. Even opponents of the ban agreed with this doctrinal statement but believed it was unnecessary to add it to the constitution.
Opponents pointed out that the SBC already has the authority to remove churches that support women in pastoral roles as demonstrated last year and Tuesday night.
The vote was highly anticipated at the annual meeting, reflecting years of debate within the denomination. This meeting in Indianapolis also saw the election of a new convention president and the approval of a nonbinding resolution concerning in vitro fertilization.
One resolution urged couples to consider the ethical implications of reproductive technologies like IVF, especially in light of recent controversies. The resolution expressed concern over the destruction of surplus embryos produced during IVF treatments.
While the resolution did not outright oppose IVF, it discouraged certain practices related to the treatment and emphasized the importance of ethical considerations.
Several messengers passionately defended IVF, highlighting its benefits for couples struggling with infertility. However, others raised concerns about the destruction of frozen embryos.
During the meeting, a proposed amendment to exclude churches with women in pastoral positions was swiftly voted on. Supporters argued for the amendment citing biblical principles, while opponents deemed it unnecessary and potentially harmful to certain congregations.
Ultimately, the rejection of the amendment reflected diverse opinions within the denomination on the role of women in ministry.
The convention president presides over the annual meeting and appoints members to various committees within the denomination. Clint Pressley, a North Carolina pastor, was elected as the next president after a competitive voting process.
Pressley, who has a background in Southern Baptist ministry and leadership, will serve as the face of the denomination in the coming term.
This coverage of religious news is supported by the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc.
