Southern Baptist Churches Fight Expulsion Over Women Pastors.

Five Southern Baptist churches, including Saddleback Church, were expelled from the Southern Baptist Convention for having women pastors. The churches are appealing the decision, arguing that Baptists should be able to agree to disagree while making a common cause for evangelism. The issue of women in ministry has long been debated among Southern Baptists, dating back to the late 20th century controversies that led to a sharp rightward shift in its leadership. The controversy is not the only one anticipated at the SBC's annual meeting, which will also feature a contested presidential election and deliberations on how and whether to continue reforms following a sexual-abuse scandal.