Kathy Hoppe, an associate professor and ordained minister, shares her experiences as a woman navigating the Southern Baptist Convention, while Robert Downen, a Texas journalist, unpacks the complexities of Christian nationalism. They discuss the historical struggles of women in the SBC, the conservative resurgence of the 1980s, and the impact of the Me Too movement on accountability within the church. Their insights reveal the challenges and resilience of women who strive for equality and recognition in a traditionally male-dominated environment.
The podcast highlights the turbulent history of women's ordination in the Southern Baptist Convention during a time of rising conservatism in the 1970s.
Kathy Hoppe's journey illustrates the challenges women faced in pursuing ministry amidst skepticism and resistance from traditionalist factions.
The conservative takeover of the SBC marginalized women's roles, emphasizing traditional family values while sidelining their voices in church leadership.
Deep dives
Women in the Southern Baptist Convention's History
The push for women's inclusion in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) gained momentum during the women's rights movements of the 1970s. Despite some support for women in ministry, significant resistance remained, leading to a divided landscape within the SBC. For instance, during the 1983 and 1984 SBC conventions, resolutions were passed that recognized women's service yet simultaneously indicated a brewing conflict over their roles. An estimated 250 women were ordained at that time, standing out in a denomination with over 14 million members and 30,000 churches, highlighting both their potential and the challenges they faced.
Kathy Hoppe's Journey Through Theological Education
Kathy Hoppe's experience at the Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary illustrates the complexities of being a woman pursuing ministry in the SBC. Enrolling in the seminary during a time of increasing female participation, she initially found community and support from friends and professors. However, as conservative sentiments grew stronger, she faced questions and skepticism regarding her presence in the Master of Divinity program. This shift reflected a broader conservative resurgence within the SBC, unaware to her as she pursued what she believed was God's calling to ministry.
The Conservative Resurgence and its Architects
The conservative resurgence within the SBC, spearheaded by figures like Paul Pressler and Paige Patterson, fundamentally altered the denomination's governance and theological direction. Their strategy involved a calculated takeover, exploiting weaknesses in the SBC's organizational structure to secure leadership positions for like-minded conservatives. Pressler's focus on biblical inerrancy, coupled with Patterson's theological advocacy, created a strong coalition that marginalized moderates and women. By controlling key appointments within the SBC, they reshaped policies, effectively sidelining those who supported women's ordination and inclusion.
Kathy Hoppe's Ordination and Subsequent Challenges
Kathy Hoppe and her husband faced significant backlash after their ordination and subsequent church planting efforts in North Dakota, which brought new challenges to their ministry. Following their successful ordination, they were met with resistance from a group of pastors who expressed dissatisfaction with women's ordination, leading to threats to withdraw financial support from the SBC's Home Mission Board. Despite this, Kathy's experience in church planting was marked by both support and overt discrimination, highlighting the conflicting nature of acceptance within the community. This duality demonstrates the ongoing struggle for women in the SBC, as they navigate their callings in an environment that often undermines their roles.
Consequences of the Conservative Shift
The implementation of conservative leadership in the SBC culminated in the marginalization of women and an emphasis on traditional family values, often at the expense of equity in leadership. Adrian Rogers, a prominent president during this era, denied support for women clergy, signaling a shift away from previously more inclusive practices. This period was marked by multiple scandals, revealing a stark contrast between the SBC's proclaimed moral superiority and the reality of leadership misconduct. The environment allowed figures like Pressler and Patterson to further entrench their hold on power while sidelining dissenters, particularly women like Kathy Hoppe who fought for recognition and inclusion.
In Episode 2 of All the Buried Women, co-hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke uncover the turbulent and hidden history of women in the Southern Baptist Convention. The story begins in the 1970s, an era of progress and pushback, and follows the journey of Kathy Hoppe, an ordained woman whose call to ministry intersected with a calculated takeover of the SBC. What happens when conviction collides with politics, and how do women respond when their calling is questioned? This episode reveals the invisible threads tying women’s resilience to a denomination shaped by control and conflict.
We reached out to the SBC, Paige Patterson, Darryl Gilyard, Tommy Gilmore, and the Council for National Policy for comment, and did not hear back.
Writing and Editing: Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke
Sound Editing and Music: Savannah Locke and Todd Locke
Introduction and Closing Song: Jaded by Savannah Locke
Special Thanks (in order of appearance): Kathy Hoppe, Barry Hankins, and Robert Downen
Partner Organization: The Bible for Normal People
Additional Thanks: Andy Clark, Systems Administrator within the University Libraries at Baylor University; Erin Smith, Marketing Manager at Baker Publishing Group; Jordan Corona; Dr. Taffey Hall, Director of the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives; Brittany Prescott, Podcast Producer for The Bible for Normal People; Adam McCullough, Archivist of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Gordon Heath, Director of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Rev. Leanne Friesen, Executive Minister of Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ) and CBOQ executive board; and Audrey and Alex from Lawyers for Reporters.
