SBC President Urges Pastors to Engage on Abortion, Immigration Ahead of Midterms
Southern Baptist Convention President Willy Rice has called on pastors to actively participate in the political process ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. He argues that issues such as abortion, marriage, gender identity, and immigration are fundamentally theological matters requiring Christian engagement. Rice contends that while many on the political right have withdrawn from political discourse, the left has remained highly active, creating a vacuum in Christian leadership. He specifically addressed immigration, arguing that enforcing laws and showing compassion are not mutually exclusive, and criticized attempts to frame law enforcement as a lack of Christian love.
Key points
- Willy Rice, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, stated that pastors should 'step up' into the political arena as midterm elections approach.
- Rice identified abortion, the definition of marriage, gender identity, and immigration as core theological issues rooted in biblical creation narratives.
- He argued that Christians have been encouraged to withdraw from politics in recent decades, while the political and theological left has remained highly engaged.
- Rice described the current lack of Christian political leadership as a 'vacuum' or 'silence' that needs to be filled.
- Regarding immigration, Rice acknowledged the challenge but asserted that enforcing immigration laws is consistent with Christian values of compassion and rule of law.
- He criticized the argument that Christians must support open borders to demonstrate compassion, calling it a manipulative tactic by those in power.
Background
This call for engagement comes amid a period of heightened tension regarding immigration enforcement in the United States. Recent months have seen significant shifts in federal policy, including the Trump administration's proposal of a $103,265 fee for H-1B visas to fund the immigration system after a court setback. Additionally, ICE has increased detentions of migrants without criminal records, with over 400 arrests in Indiana during a recent five-day operation. These developments have sparked debates over the balance between enforcement and compassion, a central theme in Rice's address.
Why it matters
Rice's statement signals a potential shift in the political posture of a major evangelical denomination, potentially influencing voter behavior and policy debates in the upcoming midterms. By framing immigration and social issues as theological imperatives, he aims to mobilize a large constituency that may have previously remained apolitical. This could impact the dynamics of the 2026 elections, particularly in states with significant Southern Baptist populations, and may influence the legislative agenda regarding immigration enforcement and social issues.
What to watch
The Southern Baptist Convention may see increased pressure on its member churches to engage in political advocacy. This could lead to more public statements from pastors on immigration and social issues. The 2026 midterm elections will likely feature debates on these theological and political intersections, with evangelical voters potentially playing a decisive role in close races. Monitoring the response from other Christian leaders and political parties will be crucial to understanding the broader impact of Rice's call.
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