SBC President Calls for Clear Biblical Marriage and Gender Standards in Baptist Faith Statement

Faith Facts

• Southern Baptist Convention President Willy Rice is urging churches to reaffirm biblical teaching on marriage and human sexuality.
• The Baptist Faith & Message serves as the guiding doctrinal statement for millions of Southern Baptists across America.
• Traditional marriage between one man and one woman has long been upheld as God’s design in Scripture.

Southern Baptist Convention President Willy Rice has proposed amending the Baptist Faith & Message to address growing cultural confusion over gender and marriage.

Rice believes the current statement needs stronger language to clearly define marriage as between one man and one woman and to affirm biological sex as determined by God at creation.

The proposal comes as many denominations face pressure to compromise on these foundational issues.

“We need to speak with clarity and conviction in a time when truth is under attack,” Rice said in recent remarks.

The Southern Baptist Convention represents more than 13 million members and is the largest Protestant denomination in the United States.

Supporters of the amendment argue that clear doctrinal language protects churches from legal challenges and cultural drift.

“This is not about politics,” Rice emphasized. “This is about faithfulness to the Word of God.”

Critics within the denomination have pushed for more inclusive language on sexuality, but Rice’s proposal aligns with the majority view of Southern Baptists who affirm biblical standards.

The amendment process would require approval at the annual meeting of messengers from local churches.

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