statement of belief

That movement culminated in a revised statement of belief in 2000, which included a declaration that while “both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.”

The denomination’s statement of belief, the Baptist Faith and Message, says Christians should oppose “all forms of sexual immorality, including … homosexuality.”

“New business items direct the union to do something for a year, but they aren’t a permanent statement of belief,” said Education Week’s Madeline Will.

He interprets the denomination’s statement of belief, the Baptist Faith and Message, as prohibiting women from any role as pastor, not just as senior pastor of a church.

“No member of the Lee University community may promote or advocate, in person, in writing, or online, for sexual acts, behaviors or lifestyles that are contrary to Scripture, this statement of belief, or any other university policy,” it says.