Al Mohler proposes SBC amendment clarifying no female pastors

Albert Mohler, the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and editor of WORLD Opinions, on Monday said he would bring a motion to amend the Southern Baptist Convention’s constitution at its June 7-10 denominational meeting in Orlando, Fla. The amendment would add new language under the constitution’s Article 3 stating that Southern Baptist churches do not affirm, appoint, or endorse women serving as pastors or elders. The prohibition would cover both the title and functions of a pastor or elder, such as preaching to the congregation.

A constitutional amendment requires the support of two-thirds of delegates at the SBC annual meeting for two consecutive years. Mohler said he would move to suspend a rule that requires the denomination’s Executive Commission to review any proposed changes and bring them up for consideration the next year. Mohler said he believed the amendment should be debated and considered this year because the denomination needed clarity in order to remain unified and stop debating women’s roles at each meeting.

Pastor Willy Rice, a potential candidate for SBC president, said he endorsed Mohler’s proposed amendment. If elected president, Rice would also call for a task force to cover similar issues, particularly since the amendment would need a high level of support to pass, he said.

How would the amendment differ from the SBC’s current position? Currently, Article 3 of the Southern Baptist constitution requires churches that are part of the denomination to agree with its statement of faith, contribute financially, and follow its policies regarding sexual abuse and racism. The statement of faith says that only men may be pastors or elders. However, neither the statement nor the constitution contain language delineating women’s functions, and neither specifically prohibit them from preaching in church.

Dig deeper: Read Liz Lykins’ report on the SBC’s drop in membership last year.