Southern Baptists vote to advance a formal ban on churches with women pastors
The measure would bar churches that affirm women pastors or women preaching, and it still needs a second two-thirds vote next year to take effect.
- On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Southern Baptist Convention messengers overwhelmingly approved the "Truth and Unity Amendment," a constitutional change barring churches from employing women as pastors or preachers, with nearly 75% support.
- Southern Baptists previously struggled to codify this restriction, as similar motions failed in 2025 despite majority support because the Baptist Faith and Message statement faced conflicting interpretations regarding specific ministry titles.
- Sponsored by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler, the measure secured a 6,028 to 2,026 vote during the annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, after attendees fast-tracked the process by bypassing the executive committee.
- Approval requires a second two-thirds majority vote from messengers at the denomination's 2027 meeting in Indianapolis, Ind., before the amendment can be officially enacted and added to the constitution.
- The measure highlights continuing tensions regarding how much authority the national body should exercise over local church autonomy versus enforcing consistent standards for clergy across the Protestant denomination.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Southern Baptists vote to advance ban on churches with women pastors
Thousands of Southern Baptists have voted overwhelmingly to advance a formal ban on churches with women pastors in the nation’s largest conservative evangelical denomination. The vote at their annual meeting sent a clear message that men alone should preach to…
Southern Baptists vote to advance ban on women pastors
ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands of Southern Baptists overwhelmingly voted Wednesday to advance a formal ban on women pastors in the nation's largest Protestant denomination, sending a clear message that men alone should preach to these conservative evangelical congregations.
Southern Baptists vote to advance formal ban on churches with women pastors
Thousands of Southern Baptists delivered a decisive vote Wednesday to push forward a constitutional amendment that would formally ban churches with women pastors from the nation’s largest Protestant denomination. The overwhelming decision at the annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, reinforces the conservative body’s longstanding position that the office of pastor is reserved for men. Delegates […]
SBC Messengers Approve Amendment Reinforcing Ban on Female Pastors
Messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention have overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment designed to strengthen the denomination’s restrictions on women serving in pastoral leadership roles. During the SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, delegates voted 6,028 to 2,026 in favor of the measure, known as the “Truth and Unity Amendment.”
Southern Baptists Advance Formal Ban On Women Pastors
Delegates to the Southern Baptist Convention have overwhelmingly voted to advance a constitutional amendment that would formally prohibit churches with women pastors from remaining in the denomination. The measure received strong support during the convention’s annual meeting, passing with more than the required two-thirds majority.💡If ultimately adopted through the denomination’s constitutional process, the amendment would strengthen existing …
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