Southern Baptists approve first phase of constitutional ban on women pastors as annual meeting concludes in Orlando

The Southern Baptist Convention concluded its two‑day annual meeting on June 10 with a historic vote to amend its constitution to formally exclude churches that employ women as pastors, a decision that caps years of debate over gender and church leadership within the nation’s largest Protestant denomination.

‘Truth  &  Unity’ Amendment Approved

Messengers voted overwhelmingly to adopt the so‑called “Truth  &  Unity Amendment,” proposed by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert  Mohler Jr., which adds language stating that cooperating churches must “affirm, appoint, or employ only men as pastors.”

The measure passed with nearly 75 percent support, exceeding the two‑thirds threshold required for constitutional change. The vote tally was 6,028 messengers for the amendment (74.66%), and 2,026 against it (25.09%). The amendment must be ratified at the 2027 annual meeting and again garner a minimum two-thirds majority to take effect permanently.

Introducing the amendment, Mohler told messengers the vote was “not about personalities but about faithfulness to Scripture,” arguing that the denomination’s statement of faith already limits the pastoral office to men. Opponents said the change codifies exclusion and undermines local church autonomy.

Debate and Testimonies

After Mohler’s opening comments, Doug Mize, pastor of First Baptist Church in Greer, S.C., spoke against it. He opened with thoughts on observations from attending the annual meeting during the conservative resurgence and how Southern Baptists have “consistently” voted out churches with female pastors.

“What we have already works,” he said, adding the SBC has current has no lead women pastors or associate pastors. “We’re going to keep voting them [out]. But this [amendment] is over and beyond the reach that we need to have.”

The discussion preceding the vote lasted more than an hour, with speakers alternating between applause and audible tension. Supporters cited biblical passages such as 1  Timothy  2 and 3, while opponents referenced examples of women leaders in the New Testament.

Several pastors urged unity despite disagreement. “We can hold conviction without cruelty,” said Mike  Keahbone, pastor of First Baptist Church in Lawton, Okla., who served on the Credentials Committee.

Disfellowshipping Decisions Affirmed

Messengers also affirmed the disfellowshipping of five churches found to have women serving in pastoral roles, including Saddleback  Church in California, which had appealed its removal last year. The Credentials Committee reported that each church was notified and allowed to respond.

Resolutions and Ministry Reports

Beyond the amendment debate, the convention adopted nine resolutions, including statements on religious liberty, immigration reform, and opposition to gender‑transition procedures for minors.

The International  Mission  Board (IMB) reported that Southern Baptists now support 3,600 missionaries worldwide, while the North  American  Mission  Board (NAMB) announced more than 1,000 new church plants in the past year.

Reporting based on numerous sources, including USA Today, Baptist Press, and the Associated Press.