Southern Baptist Convention Expels Four Churches Over Gender and Abuse Policy Issues

The ousters highlight ongoing debates within the denomination over gender roles and efforts to address sexual abuse.

The Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee voted to oust four congregations for various reasons, including having a woman pastor and failing to adhere to the denomination's sexual-abuse policy.
Immanuel Baptist Church of Paducah, Kentucky, was expelled for having a woman as senior minister, a decision that highlights the denomination's stance that the office of pastor is open only to men.
The decision to oust the churches comes amid efforts to address sexual abuse within the denomination, including plans for an independent commission to track clergy predators.
Critics argue that the Southern Baptist Convention's actions on sexual abuse have been more about appearance than substantive change, with survivors awaiting real action.
The ouster of churches for having women pastors and for issues related to sexual abuse policy reflects ongoing debates within the denomination over gender roles and how to effectively address abuse.