Southern Baptists vote to advance a formal ban on churches with women pastors

Southern Baptist delegates voted 6,028 to 2,026 to advance a constitutional amendment tightening a ban on women serving as pastors; it needs another two-thirds vote next year to take effect.
The change would strengthen existing limits and could lead to expelling churches that appoint women to lead or preach, underscoring the denomination’s conservative direction.
Supporters framed the move as biblical clarity (prominent backer Albert Mohler); opponents and groups like Baptist Women in Ministry say it’s harmful and contrasts with many other Protestant denominations that ordain women.