WHEREAS, Scripture says that pastors, elders, and overseers are to be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2) and “blameless” (Titus 1:6); and
WHEREAS, The Baptist Faith and Message says that pastors should be “qualified by Scripture”; and
WHEREAS, Sexual abuse is an action repugnant to the teachings of Scripture and reprehensible even to those who are not believers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, June 15-16, 2021, believe that any person who has committed sexual abuse is permanently disqualified from holding the office of pastor; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That we recommend that all of our affiliated churches apply this standard to all positions of church leadership.