Paul Pressler, Former Texas Judge and SBC Power Player, Dies at 94

Paul Pressler, former Texas judge and architect of the conservative takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), died on June 7, aged 94. Obituary

Pressler was both a symbol of the Religious Right's influence in Republican politics and its vulnerability to scandal. His legacy is controversial, praised by some as altruistic, but criticized by others for promoting hardline theology and causing trauma to abuse victims.

"Believers must be responsible in their conduct. They must be responsible in their doctrine. They are responsible for being loyal to Christ," Pressler said.

A six-year civil casealleging Pressler sexually abused Gerald D. Rollins, revealed similar allegations from seven other men. Rollins' case settled in 2023, without a trial. Pressler denied all allegations.

The Conservative Resurgence

In 1967, Pressler and seminary student Paige Patterson envisioned the "Conservative Resurgence," seeking to transform the SBC. In 1979, their movement won its first major victory when Memphis pastor Adrian Rogers, their candidate, was elected SBC president.

"The conservative movement was not motivated by a desire for power or the promotion of conservative leaders' personalities," Pressler said in his autobiography, A Hill on Which to Die (1999).

Their activism was driven by biblical inerrancy and traditional views on gay marriage, abortion, and women's roles. By 1985, the battle was largely won, with conservatives controlling various SBC committees and boards.

Influence on National Politics

Due to his SBC status, Pressler networked with other Religious Right leaders, mobilizing support for Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. He was a founding member of the secretive Council for National Policy. Despite portraying his political influence as unintentional, journalist Anne Nelson describes it as inevitable:

"The architects of the Conservative Resurgence...had developed tactics to take over the denomination and purge moderates, which would then be adopted...by the [Council for National Policy],"

Pressler's death prompts reflection on his legacy, as younger SBC pastors rethink his movement's beliefs and the conduct of its leaders.

For more: Baptist News Global. Liam Adams, Religion Reporter.