SBC Leaders Aim For Second Attempt At Clergy Ban
A group of Southern Baptist pastors is pushing for the denomination to reconsider a proposed amendment that would permanently ban female pastors from serving in member churches. Known as the “Law Amendment,” the measure fell just short of the two-thirds majority needed for approval at last year’s Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) meeting. The amendment aims to clarify that churches must only appoint men as pastors or elders, in line with certain scriptural interpretations.
In an open letter, the pastors urged that the amendment be reconsidered at the upcoming SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas. They highlighted a recent decision by the SBC Credentials Committee, which allowed a church in South Carolina to remain in cooperation despite having a woman as a teaching pastor. The pastors argued that this situation underscored the need for the amendment, which would provide clearer guidelines for member churches.
The letter also called for bypassing the typical review process by the SBC Executive Committee, which could delay action on the amendment. The pastors argued that the amendment has already been debated at prior conventions and should go directly to a vote. They emphasized the importance of keeping the denomination aligned with its statement of faith, particularly concerning the biblical qualifications for pastoral roles.
Named after Pastor Mike Law of Arlington Baptist Church, the Law Amendment seeks to make it clear that no church with a female pastor or elder can remain in good standing with the SBC. Despite previous efforts to remove churches with female pastors, it is estimated that about 1,800 churches still have women serving in these roles. Critics of the amendment, including former SBC President J.D. Greear, have voiced concerns that the measure could create divisions and lead to a loss of minority churches within the denomination.
At last year’s SBC meeting, the amendment received 61% support but fell short of the two-thirds vote needed for ratification. Following the vote, some groups, such as Baptist Women in Ministry, celebrated the amendment’s failure, viewing it as a stand for women’s equality and value in church leadership.