The Southern Baptist Convention is set to vote on contentious issues at their annual meeting, including the role of women in pastoral leadership and the use of in vitro fertilization. With a membership of nearly 13 million, the denomination holds significant influence in American evangelicalism and politics. The meeting has attracted attention from pundits and politicians, reflecting the broader divisions within the conservative movement following the 2016 election. The issue of women in pastoral leadership, in particular, has sparked intense debate, with a proposed amendment aiming to restrict leadership roles to men only. Additionally, delegates will vote on a resolution opposing in vitro fertilization, reflecting a push by anti-abortion activists to expand their influence. Former Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to speak at the event, and other agenda items include the election of a new president and resolutions on various topics, including sexual abuse and support for Israel. The meeting is seen as a critical juncture for the denomination, with significant implications for its future direction.