On June 11-12, 2024 the Southern Baptist Convention will hold its Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana and will vote on the second reading of a constitutional amendment stating that churches which affirm, appoint, or employing women as pastors of any kind are not in friendly cooperation with the convention and should be disfellowshipped.
When the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S. takes actions like these, millions of women hear a message that says God does not value them equally.
In response, Baptist Women in Ministry’s advocacy goal is to counter the SBC’s denigration of women by amplifying the positive message that women are fully valued by God. There are three aspects of our strategy to ensure women know there are no limits to how they can follow Christ and join in God’s work
Aspect 1: Release of BWIM’s Documentary Midwives of a Movement for free streaming on YouTube on June 10, 2024
BWIM will release Midwives of a Movement to YouTube for free streaming on June 10, 2024, which is the day prior to the SBC Annual Meeting. While Southern Baptists are telling a story that women should be quiet and should be submissive, watching Midwives of a Movement will demonstrate that no matter what challenges we face, women are called by God and the Spirit empowers us to rise up when we face opposition. Learn more about Midwives of a Movement and schedule your own screening to amplify the message that there are no limits to how women can follow Christ and join in God’s work in the world.
Aspect 2: BWIM’s 2024 Annual Gathering Virtual Prayer Vigil, June 10, 2024 at 7pm Eastern
We are holding our Annual Gathering as an online prayer vigil because we believe that prayer is a powerful form of advocacy and resistance. What’s happening among Southern Baptists reminds all women in ministry of the challenges that we face. This prayer vigil is a chance for lament and confession, but also an opportunity to experience affirmation and healing. On the eve of this sadly monumental vote by the SBC against women, we hope that you don’t miss this opportunity to pray in solidarity with women in ministry and our supporters as we demonstrate that there are Baptists who believe in the unlimited equality of women. Be sure to sign up today to attend.
Aspect 3: An Open Prayer of Affirmation and Solidarity for Baptist Women
As stated in line with the second aspect, we believe that prayer is a powerful form of advocacy and resistance. To ensure that women in ministry are lifted up when the SBC is trying to tear us down, we have published An Open Prayer of Affirmation and Solidarity for Baptist Women. It is our hope that you would add a sentence to that prayer in the same way you would if we were standing around in a circle, each taking a turn in adding our voices to the group’s prayer. On the days of the SBC Annual Meeting, some of the BWIM staff will be standing outside of the Indianapolis Convention Center on the sidewalk to read those prayers and to be the physical presence of our community praying in solidarity and affirmation of women in ministry. Adding your sentence to the prayer is a way to join the movement in resisting Baptist patriarchy and to pray that Baptist women know there are no limits to how they can follow Christ and join God’s work.
