Amidst Tensions, Southern Baptist Women Lead Where They Can

By BOB SMIETANA of the Religious News Service and HOLLY MEYER of the Associated Press

Women cannot serve as senior pastors of Southern Baptist churches. But they have long been seen as leaders in the mission field, in women’s organizations or at denominational seminaries. Others are influential in more intimate ways when serving their local churches on Sundays. As a Bible teacher and pastor’s wife put it, “Women are part of the General Assembly.” However, ongoing disagreements over the role of women in the church are causing tension within the Southern Baptist Convention. The issue of women preaching was a major point of tension. The war has drawn criticism from some of the female leaders.