At the SBC’s annual meeting in June, representatives will vote on a constitutional amendment to ban churches with women in pastoral roles. T

his measure, which received strong preliminary support last year, could lead to the expulsion of churches like First Baptist, which has long supported the SBC.

The church expressed its dismay at the SBC’s direction.

The proposed ban could impact hundreds of congregations, especially predominantly Black churches.

The issue arose two years ago when a Virginia pastor claimed that First Baptist and other local churches violated the SBC doctrine that only men can be pastors. The SBC Credentials Committee began an inquiry in April.

There is internal disagreement among Southern Baptists about whether the doctrine applies only to senior pastors or to any preaching and spiritual authority roles, the Associated Press reported.

Critics argue that the SBC should not impose a constitutional rule based on a specific interpretation of a non-binding doctrinal statement, given the Baptist tradition of local church autonomy.

Written by B.C. Begley