The Southern Baptist Convention’s proposed constitutional amendment would formalize restrictions on women serving as pastors. For many Black church leaders, the vote highlights longstanding questions about women’s roles in ministry and church leadership. (Envato photo/Photo/St. Louis American)
The Southern Baptist Convention’s vote to strengthen enforcement of its prohibition on women pastors landed like a thunderclap in some corners of American Christianity. In much of Black America’s church community, however, it exposed a contradiction that has existed for generations: women are often trusted to do the work of ministry, but not always granted the authority that comes with it.
