Introduction

Abstract

The contest between conservatives and moderates of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) lasted more than two decades. The issue of women's changing roles—the “woman question”—became the center of debate as moderates and conservatives fought for control of the denomination. Conservatives and modernists argued over whether women could occupy the pulpit, perform baptisms, and practice greater ecclesial power in the SBC. The denominational controversy moved between multiple tensions and the woman question was one issue that moved from the side to the center of the controversy.