May Memorial Breaks Ties with the Southern Baptist Convention

Thursday, June 15, 2023

At last night’s Quarterly Church Business meeting a motion was made by Juston Sanudo and seconded by Debbie Elam that May Memorial Baptist Church break all connections with the Southern Baptist Convention.  The motion was approved unanimously.

    The Southern Baptist Convention met this week, and although it was not surprising to anyone it was still disheartening when the messengers passed an amendment to disfellowship all churches who have female pastors in any role.  On Tuesday, a motion also passed that condemned churches who have women serving in any leadership positions, especially that of deacon.

    For decades May Memorial has taken seriously God’s call of both men and women in leadership positions in the church.  May Memorial has been blessed by these faithful women and men who have given of their lives for God’s work.

    The amendment passed yesterday at the SBC meeting does not immediately go into effect, it will require another vote at next year’s convention before it is officially added to the bylaws.  But those gathered at May Memorial last night for the business meeting shared the feeling: why stay with a denominational body where your gifts are not recognized and where we are not welcome?

    May Memorial hasn’t changed, the Southern Baptist Convention has left us, and has been doing so for years.  We continue to strive to be faithful to Jesus and the scriptural witness which includes both men and women in leadership, worship, and the preaching of the Good News.  For years there have been many Southern Baptists who did not recognize the ordination of women, but May Memorial has always been able to work together for God’s kingdom with those whom we disagree.  The Southern Baptist Convention has decided that this cooperation amidst difference is no longer tolerable.

    While May Memorial will no longer send any money to the Southern Baptist Convention, the amount of our missions giving will not change.  It will simply go to other worthy missions causes through the Baptist General Association of Virginia.