Southern Baptist Convention President urges pastors to engage in politics

Willy Rice, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, is calling on pastors to engage in the political process ahead of the midterm elections. Rice argues that Christian leaders have a responsibility to address specific issues from the pulpit that he characterizes as deeply theological and rooted in biblical creation.

Key topics Rice identified for pastoral engagement include abortion, the definition of marriage, gender identity, and immigration. Regarding immigration, he emphasized the importance of the rule of law alongside compassion, rejecting arguments that mandate open immigration policies. Rice stated that pastors should step up to fill a vacuum in public debate, noting that religious voices have historically played a significant role during key moments in American political history.