Al Mohler will propose a new variation on the “Law Amendment” when the Southern Baptist Convention meets in Orlando next month.
The president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., announced May 18 he will propose an amendment to Article III of the SBC Constitution to “make clear” how Southern Baptist churches must view the role of women in the office of pastor, elder or overseer.
Similar language has been voted on at the last three SBC annual meetings. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority vote at two consecutive meetings. The Law Amendment — so named because of its author’s name — passed that threshold the first year, then slightly fell short on second reading the next year. That same language was introduced again last year and also failed to meet the two-thirds threshold.
Mohler is a staunch advocate for male-only pastoral roles. He recently hosted a podcast with SBC President Clint Pressley where they discussed the need to address the crisis of women being given pastoral roles and titles in SBC churches.
His proposal would add to qualifications for cooperating SBC churches that they may not “act to affirm, appoint or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer, such as preaching to the assembled congregation.”
In order to expedite consideration, he also intends to move that Standing Rule 6 be suspended so the Committee on Order of Business may schedule discussion for the motion immediately, without waiting an additional year. Otherwise, the rules require all motions to amend governing documents to be referred to the Executive Committee for review.
Key SBC figures, including both candidates for president, immediately endorsed Mohler’s proposal.