This week, Southern Baptists are convening in Dallas for their annual meeting, where they’ll vote on critical resolutions regarding social issues. Among these are calls for a legal ban on pornography, reversal of the Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage ruling, and stricter regulations on sports betting. The resolutions advocate for legislation grounded in a “biblical” perspective on marriage and family and also encourage policies that promote childbearing.
The meeting, marking the 40th anniversary of a pivotal convention that solidified a conservative shift, is expected to reflect the same staunch conservatism among its members despite significantly lower attendance compared to 1985. Topics of contention include a proposed ban on churches with female pastors and discussions on defunding the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, which has been criticized for not supporting criminal charges against women for abortion.
Prominent figures, like Albert Mohler, argue that these resolutions endorse a divinely ordained order applicable to all people and times. Meanwhile, political undercurrents are evident, as figures such as House Speaker Mike Johnson represent Southern Baptists, aligning with some legislative agendas aimed at curtailing laws contrary to evangelical doctrine.
However, divisive issues within the denomination persist, particularly around racial concerns and the evolving role of women in church leadership. Recent debates highlight the risk of alienating moderate and diverse congregations as the SBC’s identity is increasingly perceived as shifting towards fundamentalism.
Despite these controversies, a rise in baptism numbers suggests a possible resurgence of spiritual engagement among members, even as overall denominational membership continues to decline. The meeting represents a critical juncture for the Southern Baptist Convention amid its long-term struggles and internal dissent.
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