The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the largest Protestant Christian denomination in the United States, has made significant moves to the right during its recent annual gathering in Orlando, Florida. Delegates elected a conservative president, advanced a prohibition on women serving as pastors, and debated an amendment to honor Charlie Kirk in a resolution against political violence. This shift reflects the influence of a far-right movement gaining traction within the SBC, which has been increasingly characterized by a divide between a mainstream conservative majority and an ultra-conservative faction.
As the overall religious affiliation in the U.S. declines, the SBC is experiencing a transformation driven by younger, conservative individuals returning to religion, often influenced by online platforms. Influencers and commentators on social media are playing a crucial role in shaping the narrative within the SBC, critiquing its moderation on various social issues and pushing for a more conservative stance.
William Wolfe, a prominent figure in this movement, advocates for a rightward shift within the SBC, arguing that it is essential for pushing America further to the right. Despite the influence of these ultra-conservative voices, some observers argue that the SBC has not liberalized as claimed by its critics. The SBC has faced significant membership declines, with nearly 400,000 members lost in 2025 alone, which some attribute to the church's rightward drift and ongoing challenges related to a sexual abuse crisis.
The SBC's situation may serve as a precursor for other Christian denominations, as similar trends of influencer-driven populism could emerge in response to declining institutional membership. The rise of independent voices and the democratization of religious discourse online are reshaping the landscape of American Christianity, with implications for both religious practice and political engagement.