Southern Baptist Convention Considers Policy to Support U.S. Pornography Ban

The Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) is considering a policy resolution that would call for a U.S. government ban on pornography. Filed by ERLC President Brent Leatherwood, the resolution urges churches and believers to support legislative and legal efforts aimed at prohibiting pornography. Leatherwood described the language as a broader vision for the denomination, offering a roadmap to advocate for the defunding of the pornography industry.

This proposed policy marks a shift in the denomination’s approach to the issue. In 2000, Southern Baptists added a statement of faith section opposing all forms of sexual immorality, including pornography. A 2015 resolution further clarified that the sex industry is exploitative and contributes to sexual abuse. However, the subject has never been a formal directive for the ERLC, the denomination’s primary policy outlet. If adopted, the ERLC would include pornography as part of its advocacy portfolio, alongside issues such as the sanctity of life, religious freedom, and family.

The resolution, if approved by the resolutions committee, will be voted on at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in June. If passed, it would be the first time the nation’s largest Protestant denomination has officially called for an outright pornography ban. While eliminating all pornography would take time, Leatherwood suggested immediate steps, such as laws requiring online age verification in every state to access pornographic websites.

According to a recent Barna study, approximately 22% of practicing Christians report consuming pornography weekly or daily. The ERLC’s focus on age verification aligns with broader efforts to protect minors from online exploitation. The resolution reflects a growing concern within the denomination about the societal and moral implications of pornography, particularly its link to sexual exploitation and abuse.

The proposed policy underscores the ERLC’s role in shaping the Southern Baptist Convention’s public stance on social issues. By advocating for legislative action, the ERLC seeks to align its teachings with its stated values of justice and moral integrity. The resolution also highlights the denomination’s commitment to addressing the root causes of sexual immorality, including the broader sex industry.

The debate over pornography and its regulation continues to be a significant issue in American society. The Southern Baptist Convention’s proposed policy adds another voice to the conversation, emphasizing the role of religious institutions in advocating for moral and legal reforms. As the resolution moves through the denomination’s approval process, it may influence broader discussions on the intersection of faith, ethics, and public policy.

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