What's happened
During its annual meeting in Dallas, the Southern Baptist Convention voted to actively oppose same-sex marriage, marking a significant shift in its approach. This resolution reflects a broader evangelical strategy to challenge established civil rights, inspired by the anti-abortion movement's success in overturning Roe v. Wade.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shift
The Southern Baptist Convention's recent vote signifies a strategic pivot towards a more aggressive stance against same-sex marriage, mirroring tactics used in the anti-abortion movement. This reflects a long-term vision among evangelical leaders to reshape societal norms based on their interpretation of biblical principles.
Political Context
- Cultural Backlash: The resolution comes amid a backdrop of increasing acceptance of same-sex marriage in the U.S., with over two-thirds of Americans supporting it. This indicates a significant cultural divide.
- Legal Strategies: Leaders like Andrew Walker emphasize the need for a legal strategy akin to that which successfully challenged Roe v. Wade, suggesting that the fight against Obergefell will be a protracted one.
Implications
- Future Legislation: The resolution calls for laws that reflect what the convention views as a divinely ordained structure for marriage and family, potentially influencing future legislative efforts.
- Evangelical Unity: This move may galvanize conservative evangelicals, reinforcing their political identity and mobilizing them around shared goals, despite being a minority in broader public opinion.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the Southern Baptist Convention's vote to oppose same-sex marriage is a significant escalation in their long-standing opposition, with Andrew Walker stating, "What we’re trying to do is keep the conversation alive." Meanwhile, AP News highlights that the resolutions reflect a broader agenda, including calls to defund Planned Parenthood and promote childbearing, indicating a comprehensive conservative strategy. The Independent notes that this meeting coincides with the 40th anniversary of a pivotal convention, suggesting a historical context for the current debates. Elizabeth Dias from the New York Times emphasizes the connection to the anti-abortion movement, stating that the resolution reflects a deepening of Southern Baptist thinking on these issues.
How we got here
The Southern Baptist Convention has historically opposed same-sex marriage, but this vote represents a new commitment to actively work against it. This aligns with a growing evangelical movement aiming to reverse the Obergefell decision, which legalized same-sex marriage in 2015.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this vote?
- How does this reflect broader evangelical trends?
- What legal strategies are being considered?
Common question
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What Resolutions Are Being Debated at the Southern Baptist Convention?
The Southern Baptist Convention is currently debating several resolutions that could significantly impact social issues in the U.S. These discussions reflect a broader conservative shift within the denomination, raising questions about gender roles, family laws, and the future of church leadership. Here’s what you need to know about the resolutions and their implications.
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