This week, a significant gathering is taking place in Dallas. It's the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention. This group is the largest Protestant denomination in the United States. They have a lot on their agenda. One of the main topics is a set of resolutions. These resolutions cover some hot-button issues. They want to see changes in laws related to pornography, sports betting, and same-sex marriage. They believe these laws should align with what they see as divine creation.

    The Southern Baptist Convention is known for its conservative views. This meeting is a chance for them to discuss and debate these views. They will also talk about issues within their own group. For example, there's a proposal to ban churches with women pastors. This is a contentious issue. Some support it, while others do not. There's also talk about defunding their public policy arm. This arm has been criticized for not being effective enough. It's a time of reflection and decision-making for the group.

    The meeting is happening 40 years after a major event in Dallas. In 1985, there was a big showdown. A record number of church representatives clashed. This event marked a shift in the convention. A more conservative faction took control. This faction was also part of the growing Christian conservative movement in politics. The influence of that meeting is still felt today. This week's gathering will likely see debates among solidly conservative members.

    The proposed resolutions reflect long-standing positions of the convention. They want legislators to pass laws that reflect their beliefs about marriage, sex, and family. They also want to oppose laws that go against these beliefs. To some, this language sounds theocratic. It leaves little room for compromise. It's a clear statement of their beliefs and what they want to see in the wider political world.

    The Southern Baptist Convention is facing a membership decline. This is their 18th consecutive annual decline. However, their baptism numbers are promising. They have exceeded pre-pandemic levels. This is a key spiritual vital sign for the group. It shows that, despite the decline in membership, their spiritual influence is still strong. The meeting in Dallas is a chance for them to address these issues and plan for the future.

Baptists in Dallas: A Look at Their Stance on Key Issues

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