Southern Baptists have launched a major campaign to overturn same-sex marriage legalization in America, adopting multiple resolutions that reflect their traditional stance on marriage, gender, and family values.

At a Glance

• Southern Baptists voted overwhelmingly to seek reversal of the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage
• The denomination also passed resolutions opposing transgender ideology, supporting laws that recognize biological sex, and urging the defunding of Planned Parenthood
• Church leaders called for Christians to embrace marriage and childbearing as part of their religious duty
• The convention is simultaneously dealing with ongoing sexual abuse scandals and is seeking $3 million for related legal expenses
• Convention attendance has significantly declined, with only 10,541 representatives compared to numbers from 40 years ago

Push to Restore Traditional Marriage Definition

At their annual meeting, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution calling for the reversal of the landmark Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The resolution specifically targets the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision and urges a return to laws that only recognize marriage between one man and one woman. This stance reflects the denomination’s long-held biblical conviction that marriage is a sacred institution established by God.

The resolution goes further by opposing any laws that contradict “what God has made plain through nature and Scripture” and frames marriage and family as critical public policy issues. Church representatives voted decisively to support traditional marriage while also endorsing several other conservative positions on social issues.

Broader Conservative Stance on Social Issues

Beyond marriage, the SBC adopted multiple resolutions reflecting their traditional values. The convention supported laws recognizing biological sex rather than gender identity, condemned transgender ideology, and opposed medical transitions for minors. Newly elected SBC President Clint Pressley reaffirmed the denomination’s commitment to traditional gender roles and biblical teaching on sexuality during the proceedings.

Other approved resolutions urged the defunding of Planned Parenthood and called on the FDA to revoke approval of the abortion drug mifepristone. The convention also took positions against pornography and sports betting, framing these as moral issues that harm individuals and families. These stances collectively represent a comprehensive approach to aligning American social policy with Southern Baptist religious principles.

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Internal Challenges Amid External Advocacy

While the convention presented a united front on social issues, internal challenges loomed large. The meeting occurred in the shadow of the recent death of Jennifer Lyell, a whistleblower in the denomination’s sexual abuse scandal. The somber backdrop highlighted ongoing tensions within the SBC regarding its handling of abuse cases and institutional reform efforts.

Many abuse survivors and advocates chose to skip the convention, citing frustration with what they perceive as inadequate reforms. The SBC Executive Committee is seeking $3 million to cover legal expenses related to abuse cases, even as they celebrated the 100th anniversary of their Cooperative Program funding mechanism. Attendance numbers tell their own story – only 10,541 church representatives attended, marking a significant decline from the denomination’s peak decades ago.

Looking Ahead

As the convention continues, delegates are expected to debate controversial issues including whether to ban churches with women pastors and whether to abolish the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. These internal discussions run parallel to the denomination’s external advocacy for traditional marriage and family values. The Southern Baptists’ campaign represents one of the most organized religious efforts to reshape American family law along traditional lines since the Obergefell decision.

The convention’s call for Christians to embrace marriage and childbearing reflects a growing concern among religious conservatives about declining birth rates and changing family structures in America. By framing these issues as matters of religious liberty and constitutional interpretation, the Southern Baptists are positioning themselves at the center of ongoing cultural debates about the definition of marriage and family in American society.