ORLANDO — Messengers to the 2026 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting passed eight resolutions June 10 in Orlando, addressing topics ranging from disability ministry and assisted suicide to political violence, immigration, and antisemitism.
On care for persons with disabilities
Resolution 4 called on Southern Baptist churches to joyfully welcome and include persons with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities and their families.
The resolution noted that families of those with disabilities are significantly less likely to attend church regularly due to a lack of accessibility, programming, or a sense of belonging. It urged churches of every size to develop or expand plans for inclusion so that no family is forced to choose between a loved one’s needs and the fellowship of the church.
The resolution passed.
On assisted suicide and the sanctity of life
Resolution 5 reaffirmed the SBC’s longstanding opposition to euthanasia and assisted suicide in all forms, including practices now marketed as “medical aid in dying” and “death with dignity.” It urged medical professionals and policymakers to prioritize palliative care and hospice support over interventions that intentionally end life.
The resolution warned that legalization of assisted suicide leads to expansion beyond its original limits, pointing to Canada and European nations such as the Netherlands, where eligibility has broadened and initial safeguards have eroded.
Messenger Glenn LaRue of Ohio proposed adding a whereas clause noting that a person outside of Christ enters into eternal misery upon death, while a person in Christ has the Lord’s help to persevere faithfully in suffering and bring glory to God.
The resolution passed as amended.
On political violence and speech
Resolution 6 condemned political violence in all its forms — including assassinations, terrorism, rioting, mob intimidation, and vandalism — as morally evil and incompatible with the way of Christ.
The resolution also called Southern Baptists to examine their own speech and online conduct, rejecting dehumanizing rhetoric and reminding messengers that the church’s weapons are not carnal but spiritual.
Messenger Luke Lindsay of Louisiana moved to replace the word “toxic” with “dangerous” in the seventh whereas clause and with “sinful” in the fifth resolved clause, reflecting a desire for more precise, biblically grounded language.
The resolution passed as amended.
On immigration, human dignity and the rule of law
Resolution 7 affirmed the God-given worth and dignity of every person regardless of national origin, while also supporting lawful immigration enforcement carried out justly and humanely.
The resolution rejected both nativism and amnesty, called on the government to take particular care of children and families, and encouraged Southern Baptist churches to strengthen gospel ministry among immigrant and refugee communities.
The resolution passed.
On finishing well in life and ministry
Resolution 8 expressed heartfelt gratitude for pastors and ministry leaders who have served for decades with integrity, faithfulness, and steadfastness — many of them without widespread recognition.
Pointing to the apostle Paul’s testimony in 2 Timothy 4:7 (“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”) the resolution encouraged all Southern Baptists to pursue lives of faithful endurance, trusting not in their own strength but in the God who promises to complete the good work he has begun.
The resolution passed.
On the office of pastor/elder/overseer
Resolution 9 reaffirmed that the office of pastor/elder/overseer is limited to qualified men as defined by Scripture. It encouraged churches to use titles such as “pastor,” “elder,” and “overseer” in a manner consistent with The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 and not in ways that separate the title from the office and its functions.
The resolution also expressed gratitude for the indispensable contributions of women throughout Southern Baptist life and encouraged churches to continue affirming and deploying women in biblically faithful ways.
The resolution passed.
On antisemitism
Resolution 10 condemned the surge of antisemitism that has risen since the Hamas terrorist attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, calling it sinful, unchristian, and an assault on biblical truth and basic human dignity.
The resolution denounced conspiracy theories that falsely accuse Jewish people of controlling media, finance and politics, and reaffirmed the SBC’s commitment to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Jewish people with urgency and boldness.
On the importance of the physically gathered church
Resolution 11 affirmed that regular, embodied assembly is essential to the life of the local church and cannot be replaced by digital participation alone.
While acknowledging that technology offers valuable tools for gospel proclamation and connection, the resolution cautioned that no digital platform can fulfill the biblical functions of the gathered church — including the administration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. It encouraged churches to use such tools in ways that draw people into the embodied life of a faithful local congregation.
Resolutions 10 and 11 were voted on together and both passed.