The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) will convene this week in Dallas, where members will discuss resolutions aimed at banning pornography and overturning the Supreme Court’s legalization of same-sex marriage. These proposed measures emphasize laws on gender, marriage, and family that align with what the SBC describes as a biblically ordained creation order. Additionally, there will be resolutions advocating for curtailing sports betting and promoting pro-natalist policies that encourage childbearing.
The meeting marks the 40th anniversary of a historic confrontation in 1985 that resulted in a conservative faction gaining control over the convention and its seminaries. Attendance is expected to be lower than past years, but the legacy of that pivotal moment looms large. Proposed resolutions reflect longstanding conservative beliefs, advocating for laws that mirror their interpretations of divine order and nature.
Discussions will also address internal issues, including a potential amendment to ban women pastors, following previous attempts that narrowly failed. Some SBC members express concern over the efficacy of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, which has faced criticism for its positions on abortion and immigration. Tensions exist within the denomination, with some leaders arguing that it is shifting towards a more fundamentalist stance, risking the loss of Black churches.
Despite ongoing membership decline—12.7 million members officially reported—a slight rise in baptism numbers signals a potential revival. The SBC’s political stances may resonate more profoundly under current conservative governance, as calls to legislate morality align with broader Christian nationalist sentiments. Overall, the meeting is poised to reaffirm traditional values amid significant internal and external challenges confronting the denomination.
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