Mohler, others object to ordination of three women as pastors
Saddleback Church ordained its first female pastors May 6, posting about the “historic night” on Facebook. The church led by Pastor Rick Warren is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, which holds in its statement of faith that “while both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.”
The move is another step toward what Southern Seminary President Al Mohler called a “looming test” for the SBC. “Southern Baptists are now, yet again, at a moment of decision,” Mohler wrote at his website. “This is no longer a point of tension and debate. These moves represent an attempt to redefine and reformulate the convictional foundation of Southern Baptist faith and cooperative ministry.”
Presidential candidates share visions for SBC in online forum
The four candidates for president of the Southern Baptist Convention participated in a May 4 discussion about how they would help the denomination move forward in fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. The four-man race is one of the biggest issues facing Baptists headed to Nashville for the June 15-16 annual meeting. The online forum is viewable at sbcpipeline.com.
>Related: Southeastern Seminary president addresses Critical Race Theory during Q&A
Bush, Moore talk immigration
In a conversation with Southern Baptist leader Russell Moore, former President George W. Bush advised viewing people with a “loving eye” when it comes to establishing U.S. immigration policy. In the interview co-sponsored by the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Bush told Moore his philosophy on immigration begins with “all life is precious, and we’re all God’s children. If that’s how you view immigration, then you don’t view people with [a] hostile eye. You view them with a loving eye.”
U.S. partisan divide deepens over abortion
A majority of U.S. adults believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, Pew Research reports, but the gap between Democrats and Republicans has widened over the last two decades. The divide is mostly due to more Democrat support for legal abortion, according to Pew. In 2007, 63% of Democrats and Democrat-leaning independents said abortion should be legal in all or most cases; that number rose to 80% in 2021. Views among Republicans have remained relatively steady, with 39% saying abortion should be legal in all or most cases in 2007, and 35% agreeing this year.
Send Relief aids families in crisis amid COVID in India
As India continues to experience a devastating outbreak of COVID-19, the compassion ministry arm of the Southern Baptist Convention is distributing emergency food packs and other supplies. “We’re hearing stories of hope in the midst of the tragedy, said Send Relief President Bryant Wright, “but the needs are overwhelming. I am praying for our partners on the ground as they provide resources and minister to people in need, and I ask my fellow believers here in America to do so as well.”
Sources: Christian Post, Baptist Press, Illinois Baptist, Pew Research