Paul Pressler, a former Texas judge who profoundly impacted the Southern Baptist Convention twice, first by leading a fundamentalist overhaul of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, and later by facing allegations of sexual abuse, passed away on June 7 at the age of 94.
His death was initially reported by Baptist News Global, an independent news site focusing on Southern Baptist matters, and later confirmed by an obituary from Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors in Houston.
Pressler was a pivotal figure in the fusion of the Religious Right with Republican politics, yet his legacy was tarnished by scandal and accusations of hypocrisy. He held influential roles in national politics and within the Nashville-based SBC for decades until a lawsuit alleging abuse marked his final years.
In his autobiography, Pressler portrayed himself as a champion battling liberalism to preserve the SBC. However, critics argue that his legacy is marred by the strict theology he promoted within the largest evangelical Christian group in America, as well as the alleged trauma inflicted on abuse victims.
A lengthy civil case involving allegations that Pressler abused Gerald D. Rollins spanned six years, during which similar accusations from seven other men surfaced. This case prompted widespread coverage of clergy abuse within the SBC and subsequently led to an independent investigation into how Southern Baptist leaders handled the crisis.
The settlement of Rollins’ case in 2023 saw the SBC and its Executive Committee resolving allegations of negligence in preventing Pressler’s alleged misconduct.
Beyond denominational politics, Pressler also wielded considerable influence in U.S. politics. He was part of a coalition of influential Christian leaders who supported Ronald Reagan’s bid for presidency in 1980, denying Jimmy Carter a second term. Additionally, he co-founded the Council for National Policy, a secretive network of conservative figures.
Pressler’s passing coincides with a generational shift in SBC leadership, where younger pastors are reevaluating his legacy and that of his allies. While some uphold the beliefs championed by Pressler’s movement, others express disillusionment with its leaders.
Pressler’s involvement in the Conservative Resurgence within the SBC was pivotal. A meeting in 1967 with seminary student Paige Patterson in New Orleans marked the genesis of their vision to transform the convention. This movement, centered on the doctrine of biblical inerrancy, also encompassed traditional stances on issues like gay marriage, abortion, and women in leadership.
Despite Pressler’s portrayal of the Conservative Resurgence as a grassroots struggle for doctrinal purity, it quickly gained traction. The movement achieved a significant victory in 1979 when Adrian Rogers, backed by the Conservative Resurgence, was elected SBC president.
Pressler, throughout his tenure, portrayed himself as a committed church member driven by principle and loyalty to Christ. However, allegations of abuse emerged during this period, with accusations ranging from inappropriate behavior to assault. Pressler consistently denied these allegations.
His influence extended beyond church affairs. Born in Houston in 1930, Pressler was a sixth-generation Texan, educated at prestigious institutions like The Kinkaid School, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Princeton University. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War before obtaining his law degree from the University of Texas.
Pressler’s unintended foray into secular politics was described as consequential by those close to him. Although he insisted the SBC’s conservative movement was driven by theological, not political, motives, its impact resonated sociopolitically.
Despite his influence, Pressler’s legacy remains contentious, emblematic of both the heights of evangelical political power and the vulnerabilities exposed by scandal.