Southern Baptist Women in Ministry Praise Failed Attempt to Ban Female Pastors

Baptist Women in the Ministry, a Texas-based advocacy group, expressed gratitude following the failure of a proposed amendment to the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) constitution. The amendment aimed to permanently ban women from serving as pastors “as qualified by the Scriptures.” Despite the amendment’s defeat, the group praised the votes cast against it, emphasizing the support for women in pastoral roles.

The amendment, known as the Amendment to the Law, received support from about 5,099 or 61% of the messengers who voted at the SBC Annual Assembly in Indianapolis. However, the proposal required 66.66% of the votes to pass, leaving it short by nearly 6%. Approximately 3,185 messengers, or 38%, opposed the motion.

The group noted that many messengers who voted against the amendment did so to affirm the value of women in pastoral ministry. “We are grateful to the churches and messengers represented on the CBS who came to send the message that women have the same value to God,” the statement said. The group acknowledged that others may have voted against the amendment for different reasons but encouraged amplifying the message of support for women pastors.

The amendment received significantly less support than its previous version, which was approved with about 80% of the votes at the 2023 SBC Annual Assembly. Pastor Mike Law, who proposed the amendment, continued to advocate for what he described as biblical fidelity. In his statement, Law urged Southern Baptists to remain committed to their faith despite concerns about the denomination’s direction.

Law’s comments came amid discussions on social media about the SBC’s perceived liberal drift. He called on Baptists to continue fighting for what he views as scriptural principles, emphasizing the importance of maintaining traditional teachings. The debate over the amendment highlights ongoing tensions within the SBC regarding the role of women in leadership.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)