The annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention is set to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, where members will vote on key issues regarding women in pastoral leadership and the use of in vitro fertilization. These decisions will have significant implications for the role of women within the denomination and in American society as a whole.
With a membership of nearly 13 million church members nationwide, the Southern Baptist Convention is a leading voice in American evangelicalism. The conservative nature of its membership gives it substantial political influence, attracting attention from both pundits and politicians. The denomination has been grappling with political and ideological divisions following the election of Donald J. Trump in 2016.
Ryan Helfenbein, executive director of a think tank at Liberty University, emphasized the importance of voting at the meeting, highlighting the significant stakes involved. President Trump also addressed attendees at a lunch event, urging them to support conservative values.
Delegates, known as “messengers,” from Southern Baptist churches across the country will convene to vote on various issues, including a proposed amendment to restrict women from serving as pastors or elders in Baptist churches. This amendment aims to reinforce existing restrictions on female leadership within the denomination.
Another significant vote will address the opposition to in vitro fertilization, aligning with the anti-abortion stance of many Southern Baptists. While fertility treatments are common among evangelicals, the resolution calls for a reaffirmation of the sanctity of life, potentially challenging the use of certain reproductive technologies.
Former Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to speak at the event, focusing on ethical and religious issues. Additionally, the agenda includes the election of a new president, resolutions on various topics, and a report on addressing sexual abuse within Southern Baptist settings.
