The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is set to convene in Dallas, where delegates will review resolutions aimed at banning pornography and reversing same-sex marriage legalization. These proposed changes advocate for laws reflecting a biblically based understanding of gender, marriage, and family. Additionally, they seek to curb sports betting and endorse pro-natalist policies to encourage childbearing.
The meeting is significant as it marks the 40th anniversary of a pivotal 1985 gathering that solidified a conservative faction’s control over the SBC, impacting its theology and politics. Current attendance is expected to be much lower, but discussions will likely reflect the same conservative commitment. Issues such as a potential ban on churches with women pastors will be revisited, as previous attempts have narrowly failed. This aligns with the SBC’s belief that pastoral roles should be male-only.
Debates are also anticipated around the fate of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, criticized for its perceived ineffectiveness despite a push from conservative factions to defund it. Meanwhile, some members express concerns about the SBC’s direction toward a more rigid fundamentalism, which may deter Black churches from joining.
Additionally, the convention’s political positions could resonate in a climate where conservatives hold significant power, calling for a reevaluation of moral legislation, including revisiting the legalization of same-sex marriage.
Overall, the meeting will reflect longstanding SBC values while navigating internal divisions and broader sociopolitical dynamics, with the denomination still grappling with declining membership, despite a recent uptick in baptism numbers.
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