Willy Rice’s Historic Election Signals Conservative Shift in the Southern Baptist Convention
On June 10, 2026, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) voted to elect Willy Rice, senior pastor of Calvary Church in Clearwater, Florida, as its new president. Rice secured about 57 percent of the vote at the convention held in Orlando, defeating South Carolina pastor Josh Powell. His ascent marks the first major victory for a bloc that has pushed the denomination toward a more right‑wing, traditionalist stance.
Background and Platform
Rice, who has led his church since 2004 and holds both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry, has long been a prominent Southern Baptist voice. Prior to his 2026 bid, he ran for the presidency in 2022 but withdrew after revealing a sexual misconduct incident involving a deacon from his own congregation. Despite that controversy, Rice maintained that the church must confront sexual abuse practices rigorously, arguing that the denomination’s response has blurred the line between protecting victims and advancing a progressive agenda.
Right‑Wing Agenda and Political Ties
Rice’s campaign received significant backing from conservative networks, including the Center for Baptist Leadership, which has pushed for stricter theological boundaries and a ban on women pastors. Former Trump administration staffer William Wolfe, the center’s leader, endorsed Rice and highlighted the need for the SBC to align more closely with conservative political causes such as immigration reform and opposition to gender‑identity legislation. Rice has also critiqued the church’s perceived “wokeness,” calling the SBC “defunct like Blockbuster or Kodak” if it continues down that path.
Controversial Public Comments
Rice has made a series of public statements that illustrate his tough stance. He condemned a Trump social media post that likened the former president to Christ, calling the image “wrong” and insisting that worshipers must focus on God alone. Yet, he has also expressed gratitude for several policies enacted under the Trump administration, noting their alignment with what he sees as biblical conservative values.
Implications for the SBC
Rice’s presidency arrives at a precarious moment for a denomination grappling with declining membership, internal factionalism, and heightened scrutiny. Key issues that will likely define his term include formalizing bans on women pastors, maintaining doctrinal purity while addressing sexual abuse reform, and re‑evaluating the relationship between SBC leadership and broader political movements. His rhetoric emphasizes faithfulness over cultural relevance, suggesting a potential shift toward a more insulated and doctrinally rigid organization.
In closing, the election of Willy Rice represents a pivotal moment for the Southern Baptist Convention, potentially steering it toward a renewed conservative vision that may reshape its internal dynamics and public engagement for years to come.