Mohler to propose constitutional amendment on women pastors at 2026 SBC Annual Meeting
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President R. Albert Mohler Jr. announced that he will introduce a constitutional amendment at the 2026 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting, June 9-10 in Orlando, seeking to further clarify that cooperating churches may not affirm or appoint women to the office or function of pastor.
In a video released May 18 titled “Truth & Unity Amendment,” Mohler said he intends to bring a motion adding a sixth criterion to Article III of the SBC Constitution. The proposed language states that a cooperating church:
“Does not act to affirm, appoint, or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer, such as preaching to the assembled congregation.”
Mohler also said he will move to suspend Standing Rule 6 so the Committee on the Order of Business can schedule the motion for debate during the 2026 meeting rather than referring it to the following year.
A Renewed Push After Years of Debate
The proposal comes after several years of heightened discussion within the SBC over the role of women in pastoral ministry. Messengers at the 2023 and 2024 annual meetings voted to remove churches with women pastors and advanced the so‑called “Law Amendment,” which ultimately failed to reach the two‑thirds threshold for constitutional adoption.
Mohler has been one of the most visible voices urging the SBC to adopt constitutional language that explicitly restricts the pastoral office to men. In recent years, he has warned that the denomination is approaching a “breaking point” over the issue, arguing that clarity is necessary for unity.
What the Amendment Would Do
If adopted, the amendment would: 1) Add a new enumerated requirement for a church to be considered “in friendly cooperation” with the SBC; 2) Tie cooperation explicitly to a church’s practice regarding women serving in pastoral roles or functions, and 3) Provide constitutional grounding for actions already taken by the SBC Executive Committee and messengers in removing churches with women pastors.
Because constitutional amendments require approval by two consecutive annual meetings, the earliest the proposal could be fully adopted is 2027.
Looking Ahead to Orlando
The 2026 SBC Annual Meeting is expected to feature significant discussion around denominational identity, cooperation, and the boundaries of Baptist ecclesiology. Mohler’s amendment is likely to be one of the most closely watched items of business, especially given the SBC’s ongoing debates about autonomy, accountability, and doctrinal clarity.
The video announcing the proposal had more than 7,500 views within its first 14 hours, signaling strong interest across the denomination.
Related:
Check your first line item under "Why is this being Proposed?" It says clarify stance that only men can serve as "Priests." We do not have "priests" in the SBC...