Southern Baptist leaders react to the election of Donald Trump as the nation’s 47th president
In a contentious 2024 presidential election, former President Donald Trump declared victory early Wednesday morning (Nov. 6), marking his return to the nation’s Capitol as the 45th and soon-to-be 47th president.
Trump secured crucial victories in swing states, securing 270 electoral votes needed to win – despite reports of a tightly contested race. Trump secured victories in key states including Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Trump also could post additional wins in Arizona, Michigan, and Nevada.
Southern Baptist Reaction
Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President Clint Pressley and pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in North Carolina thanked God for Trump’s election and pro-life victories on X/Twitter:
“Thanks be to God for a decisive result in the presidential contest and for pro-life victories in Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Congratulations to President-elect @realDonaldTrump and Vice President-elect @JDVance. I and millions of my fellow Southern Baptists will be praying for you. ‘The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice.’ — Psalm 97:1.”
On his Podcast, The Briefing, Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, echoed concerns about the pro-life movement's challenges in the U.S., stating, “We are in big, big trouble. We must respond with greater resolve to advocate for and defend the unborn.”
Mohler publicly endorsed Trump on Nov. 4, saying “Former President Donald Trump is not what I want a candidate to be in terms of character, temperament, or consistent policy. The 2024 Republican Party platform is a step backward from the convictional clarity of earlier GOP platforms, especially on the issue of abortion. At the start of the race for the 2024 Republican nomination, I called for some other candidate to seize the hour. That did not happen. Donald Trump is not the nominee I would have chosen. But Donald Trump is the nominee of the Republican Party.”
Mohler added, “On the other hand, Vice President Kamala Harris is the most ideologically extreme Democrat to gain the nomination of that party to date.”
Brent Leatherwood, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), committed to working with the Trump administration to “uphold religious liberty, promote marriage and family, and advance human dignity.”
“The ERLC seeks to apply gospel principles to the pressing issues currently facing our society, irrespective of the political landscape or who is in charge at the highest levels of government,” Leatherwood said in a statement.
Leatherwood emphasized that Southern Baptists’ pro-life stance remains at the forefront of their agenda for the coming four years. “We look forward to working alongside the Trump administration and the members of the 119th Congress to achieve meaningful progress on matters that concern our community,” he added.
In light of the abortion initiatives in various states, Leatherwood noted the urgent need to foster a better understanding of the value of preborn lives. Voters in states like Florida, South Dakota, and Nebraska have rejected pro-abortion measures, indicating a hopeful trend in favor of life. However, he acknowledged that many states chose a different direction, underscoring the increased risk faced by preborn children. “We will partner with our churches to confront and address this pressing cultural challenge,” he said.
Leatherwood called for prayer for President-elect Trump, Washington leaders, and the nation, while reaffirming the commitment to spread the message of hope found in the gospel.