Warren was making remarks about Billy Graham’s support of women preaching when his microphone was cut off due to him going past the three-minute time allotment.
When Mohler got up to make his defense, he said his “position was…misrepresented.” He continued, “But nonetheless, it is important to state for the record that Albert Mohler does not say what the Baptist Faith & Message means. The Southern Baptist Convention says when the Baptist Faith & Message means.” Messengers applauded those remarks.
The question of women in leadership is a “matter of biblical commitment” and an “issue of biblical authority,” said Mohler, stating that the Bible “unequivocally, we believe, limits the office of pastor to men.”
“This is not a convention responsibility to offer a comprehensive verdict on the ministry of Rick Warren or Saddleback Community Church,” Mohler noted. “We can thank God for every good gospel thing that is represented by that church and its ministry.”
Following Warren’s defense and Mohler’s rebuttal, messengers cast their ballots. A verdict on Saddleback’s appeal will be announced later.
