The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, convenes this week in Dallas for its annual meeting, where significant resolutions regarding key social issues are set to be debated and voted upon.
Among the proposed resolutions is one calling for a legal ban on pornography and another seeking to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage.
The resolutions advocate for legislations governing gender, marriage, and family in accordance with what they purport to be a biblically ordained order of creation.
Additionally, the resolutions urge lawmakers to limit sports betting and promote policies that encourage childbearing.
While these proposed measures reflect long-standing positions held by the Southern Baptist Convention, their phrasing seems more direct and politically charged than in past discussions.
One resolution emphasizes the responsibility of legislators to enact laws that align with a divinely inspired understanding of marriage, sex, and family, contending that failure to do so contradicts both scripture and natural law.
Critics of these measures argue that such a stance veers into theocratic territory, stifling compromise and alternative perspectives on moral issues.
Nancy Ammerman, professor emerita of sociology of religion at Boston University, pointed out that advocating for God’s design leaves little room for differing interpretations of faith and morality.
Southern Baptist leaders like Albert Mohler assert that the resolutions reflect a created order that is universally binding for all people across time and space.
Other resolutions specifically denounce pornography and sports betting as damaging social issues, calling for a ban on the former and stricter regulations on the latter.
Interestingly, these political positions may find some resonance given the current conservative majority in Washington, which includes Southern Baptist representatives.
Mike Johnson, a Southern Baptist, currently serves as Speaker of the House and is third in line for the presidency, while some Supreme Court justices have expressed the desire to re-examine the same-sex marriage ruling.
Political discourse surrounding these resolutions aligns with a growing Christian nationalist agenda that seeks to legislate morality in areas such as family and sexual ethics.
Discussions prior to the convention have also highlighted a push to defund the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), the SBC’s public policy arm, accused of ineffectiveness by some in the convention.
While some former SBC presidents continue to support the funding of the ERLC, divisions arise within the convention regarding its role and efficacy, particularly in its approach to issues such as abortion.
The ERLC’s firm anti-abortion position has not included support for criminalizing women who seek abortions, leading to further dissent among the congregation.
A statement from the ERLC’s president, Brent Leatherwood, emphasized the importance of maintaining a presence in public discourse around religious liberty, morality, and life issues.
Meanwhile, a coalition of Southern Baptist leaders expressed concern regarding the implications of stricter immigration enforcement policies championed by the Trump administration, which they argue have negatively impacted church attendance and heightened fears among immigrant communities.
Some church leaders assert that a balance must be struck between law enforcement and compassion, emphasizing the need to avoid demonizing individuals fleeing violence and persecution.
Criticism of the SBC’s handling of such social issues highlights the ongoing transformation within the convention, with some claiming it is gradually moving from an evangelical towards a more fundamentalist identity.
Texas pastor Dwight McKissic voiced concern over what he perceives as a backlash against the ERLC and its responsibility to address racial progressiveness.
He stated that as the SBC continues to shift in its theological orientation, it risks alienating many Black churches that find themselves at odds with its conservative stance.
Another topic on the agenda is the proposed amendment to prohibit churches from having women pastors, which, despite narrowly failing in previous years, is expected to reemerge in discussions this week.
The official SBC belief statement restricts the office of pastor solely to men, but debates persist over whether this prohibition extends beyond lead pastors to assistant roles.
Several churches labeled ‘SBC-friendly’ have faced scrutiny due to their inclusive policies regarding female pastors, further complicating the conversation surrounding this contentious topic.
As the Southern Baptist Convention convenes to discuss these significant issues, it does so against the backdrop of a notable decline in membership, now reported at 12.7 million—a decrease of 2% from the previous year and marking the 18th consecutive annual decline.
However, there are indications of revitalization in baptism numbers, which have exceeded pre-pandemic levels, providing a glimmer of hope for the future of the denomination.
As the SBC grapples with its identity and influence in a changing society, the debates and resolutions forthcoming at this year’s convention promise to reflect the evolving nature of this historically significant religious institution.
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