#USA #FL – The Southern Baptist Convention took a decisive step Wednesday toward formally barring churches with women pastors from the nation’s largest Protestant denomination.
Messengers at the annual meeting in Orlando voted overwhelmingly, 6,028 to 2,026, to approve the so-called “Truth and Unity Amendment.” The measure received approximately 74.66% support, surpassing the two-thirds majority required for constitutional changes. A total of 8,054 ballots were counted, with 20 disallowed.
Proposed by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler Jr., the amendment would add language to the SBC constitution stating that a cooperating church “does not affirm, appoint, or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer, specifically preaching to the assembled congregation.”
The vote advanced the proposal but did not finalize it. The amendment must pass by a similar two-thirds majority at next year’s annual meeting in Indianapolis to take effect.
The action reinforced the denomination’s longstanding doctrinal position, outlined in the Baptist Faith and Message, which limits the office of pastor to men. In recent years, the SBC had disfellowshipped several churches over the issue of female pastors, prompting calls for clearer constitutional language to maintain unity and biblical fidelity.
Supporters, including many messengers citing New Testament passages such as 1 Timothy 2:11-14 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7, argued the move upheld scriptural teachings on church leadership and prevented further drift amid declining membership in more progressive denominations. Critics expressed concern that the stricter policy could alienate women serving in various ministry roles and distract from other priorities, such as addressing past sexual abuse cases.
This action marked the latest in a series of attempts to codify the ban. Previous similar amendments in prior years had fallen short of the supermajority threshold.
The Southern Baptist Convention, with millions of members across thousands of churches, has faced ongoing debates over women’s roles, sexual abuse reforms, and cultural shifts. Wednesday’s vote signalled a firm commitment by a strong majority to traditional interpretations of pastoral leadership.
The amendment’s final fate will be determined at the 2027 meeting.
Image: Albert Mohler during the 2026 annual meeting in Florida this year.
