A gaggle of religious feminists has drafted an open petition, calling upon the Southern Baptist Convention to adopt a policy that allows women to assume leadership roles, particularly the office of the pastorate in the church, rebelling against God’s clearly stated mandates in the Scriptures.

The open letter, addressed to Southern Baptist women, has garnered nearly a thousand signatures at the time of this publication. It urges women to “embrace” their roles as “pastors, ministers, and leaders” within the church. Notably, the majority of signatories come from outside the denomination, raising questions about the legitimacy of their involvement in Southern Baptist Convention affairs.

The open letter references several biblical examples of women in prominent positions and argues that women should not be constrained by traditional, biblical church roles. It asserts that Jesus did not impose limitations on women’s roles, and those who dismiss women as unworthy are contradicting Jesus’ own actions.

While it is true that the Scriptures feature numerous women chosen by God for various purposes, New Testament ecclesiology outlines specific instructions for women in the capacity of a pastor and Jesus absolutely did limit the office of pastor to men. This divinely-inspired limitation, according to the Apostle Paul, is clear, mandatory, and unequivocal.

The external interference in the affairs of the already struggling-to-stay-alive denomination is only serving to exacerbate its decline, but this may not be a bad thing. The SBC has compromised on so many issues already that it has been more than clear that God’s judgment has been raining down on it. However, there are some leaders, to their credit, striving to honor God and do what’s right in this battle and be obedient to the Scriptures.

This letter distorts the Scriptures by conflating evangelism with church leadership stating that “Jesus did not make a mistake by calling the women present at the resurrection to preach the gospel, and he has not made a mistake in calling women to pastor, minister, and lead today.” Yet the New Testament equates “preaching the gospel” in this context with evangelism, not delivering sermons from the pulpit or leading a congregation. Neither the Southern Baptist Convention nor any other denomination aims to restrict women from evangelism.

“The perpetuation of male authoritarianism has led to far too much abuse, pain, hurt, and sorrow for women,” the petition reads. “We invite you to find freedom from this pain in Jesus Christ, and to reclaim God’s design of men and women both being created in the image of the limitless God.”

Of course, equating biblical mandates and doctrine with “pain in Jesus Christ” is of the utmost blasphemy and the contents of this letter should be given about as much deference as graffiti on a public bathroom wall. But it won’t. Ultimately, this open letter is likely just another act of judgment from God on the denomination as it will likely push more women into rebellion, cause more men to cave, and cause further division among those who choose to stay and fight this battle. Perhaps it’s just time to let it go—God does not need the SBC.