The Southern Baptist Convention narrowly rejected a proposal Wednesday to enshrine a ban on churches with women pastors in their constitution after opponents argued it was unnecessary because the denomination already has a way of ousting such churches.

The law prohibits abortions once cardiac activity can be detected by a medical professional, usually around six weeks and before most women know they're pregnant. 

Dr. Walker was the first black professor to work full-time at any Southern Baptist Convention seminary and the pastor of First Gethsemane Baptist Church.