Southern Baptists' vote to ban women pastors sparks outcry from advocates [View all]

[littlemissmartypants]

15 hours ago
ABC News

The Southern Baptist Convention’s vote to advance a formal ban on women from serving as pastors has boosted concerns among advocates who say it could limit women’s voices in the church and worsen harassment for women serving in the nation’s largest Protestant denomination.

The amendment passed Wednesday with nearly 75% of 8,074 total votes by church delegates at the SBC’s annual meeting, far surpassing the two-thirds majority needed to pass. A second vote will take place at the next SBC annual meeting in June 2027 for the amendment to be put into effect.

Its passage follows three failed votes on similar proposals to limit the role of women in the church at the past three SBC annual meetings. This year, the proposed amendment was introduced by one of the church’s most influential leaders, Southern Baptist Seminary president Albert Mohler — a move seen by many observers as the church placing additional urgency on the matter.

Language in the proposed amendment this year also places greater restrictions on women than in years past. Beyond banning women from holding the office of pastor, the amendment now prohibits women from performing the functions of a pastor, specifically “preaching to the assembled congregation.” Critics say this could be interpreted to prohibit women from any leadership in the church.
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https://www.wwaytv3.com/southern-baptists-vote-to-ban-women-pastors-sparks-outcry-from-advocates/