Messengers at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in Orlando approved the “Truth and Unity Amendment,” reinforcing the denomination’s ban on women serving as pastors, elders, or overseers.
The measure passed 6,028 to 2,026, receiving 74.66% support, above the two-thirds threshold required. It states that cooperating SBC churches must not “affirm, appoint, or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer.”
Supporters said the amendment provides biblical clarity amid growing cultural debates about gender. Opponents argued the SBC already has mechanisms to address churches with female pastors and warned against expanding denominational oversight.
