The matter has tested the denomination’s commitment to church autonomy as some churches embrace more egalitarian views about women in ministry.

Jennifer Lyell uplifted others' stories in her Christian publishing career, and then her own story faced attacks. Her triumphs are being remembered.

A constitutional ban on women pastors and a proposal to abolish a public policy agency accused of compromising with leftists narrowly failed on the last

The convention's voting, especially on the issue of same-sex marriage, is significant given its reach: The SBC is the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, with nearly 13 million members in 2024, according to the organization. It could be a powerful lobbying force in Washington, D.C.

The event, which took place in Dallas over Tuesday and Wednesday this week, saw decisions on women pastors, same-sex marriage, pornography, sports betting and much more.

Southern Baptist representatives have fended off two efforts to move the staunchly conservative body even more sharply to the right.

Actor Ashley Judd mourned Southern Baptist abuse victim Jennifer Lyell this week, praising her bravery in standing up against attempts to downplay the sexual abuse of women in the church. “Sister Jennifer did a good, true, and honorable thing,” Judd wrote on her social media accounts. “A hard, costly thing.” Lyell died June 7. She was 47.