Alliance of Baptists Responds to Southern Baptist Convention’s Vote Against LGBTQ+ Marriage and Women in Ministry

by Lisa Dunson

As President of the Alliance of Baptists, I speak with a heavy but resolute heart in response to the Southern Baptist Convention’s most recent vote, a regressive move to overturn same-sex marriage and to enshrine their exclusion of women pastors into their constitution, both of which make clear that their commitment is not to the gospel of Jesus Christ, but to the preservation of patriarchy, homophobia, and theological violence. So, let me be clear: This is not the work of the Spirit, and it is not the way of Christ.

The Southern Baptist Convention drapes itself in scripture, only to distort it into a tool of exclusion. This is not an act of faithfulness but a bid for control, a campaign to marginalize LGBTQ+ people, silence women and uphold a rigid, fear-based theology that denies the wide, liberating love of God. These actions are not rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ but in a desperate grasp for power masquerading as doctrinal fidelity.

The Alliance of Baptists stands in unwavering opposition to this spiritual malpractice. These votes do not embody the justice-seeking, inclusive heart of God but instead they expose a theology obsessed with authority and control. These votes do not defend the gospel…they desecrate it.

At the Alliance of Baptists, we are guided by a different Spirit. We are guided by a Spirit of liberation, inclusion, and love. We do not cower before culture wars disguised as doctrine, and we do not worship a god who demands hierarchy and exclusion. We worship a God of liberation, of justice, of fierce tenderness; a God whose table is long and wide, and whose call is always toward inclusion, equity, and freedom.

We loudly, proudly and unapologetically affirm that all people, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or calling are created in the image of God and fully capable of proclaiming the gospel, pastoring communities, and embodying Christ’s love in the world. We celebrate the full humanity and Spirit-gifted leadership of LGBTQ+ people. We affirm that women, cisgender and transgender, are wholly called, equipped, and empowered by God to preach, lead, and teach. And we rejoice in a love that reflects the love and boundless grace of our Creator.

As one who lives and embodies this intersection of our collective humanity, let me say this to every LGBTQ+ person and every woman called to ministry: your calling is valid. Your love is holy. Your leadership is needed, and you do not need the permission of the Southern Baptist Convention or any institution clinging to outdated and oppressive power to preach, to pastor, or to thrive and live into your God-given potential and calling.

We denounce the actions of the Southern Baptist Convention as more than harmful theology, they are a direct assault on the sacred dignity and belovedness of God’s people. Their decisions cause real harm and they do not reflect the heart of the gospel or the liberating way of Christ.

As the Alliance of Baptists we remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, compassion and truth, and we are devoted to cultivating spiritual communities where every person is truly welcome. That means uplifting and supporting pastors of all genders and joyfully affirming the sacredness of LGBTQ+ love and lives. Our calling is clear: to help shape a Church that fully embodies the liberating gospel of Jesus, the One who challenged systems of oppression and called us into a life of freedom, justice, and beloved community.

We are the Alliance of Baptists. A people and community of fierce faith, radical welcome and unapologetic witness, and we will continue to resist and speak out against the SBC’s spiritual malpractice with courage and conviction, grounded in the inclusive love of God, a love that welcomes, affirms, and heals us all.

We are the Alliance of Baptists. And we will not be silent.