Southern Baptists elected a new leader who has decried a “decline and drift” within the denomination. His supporters include an outspoken faction seeking to move the solidly conservative body even further to the right. Delegates elected Florida pastor Willy Rice to be its next president by a decisive margin over South Carolina pastor Josh Powell. The vote happened on the opening day of the Southern Baptist Convention's two-day annual meeting in Orlando, Florida. Delegates from across the nation's largest Protestant denomination are expected to vote on a constitutional amendment to formally ban churches with women pastors. The meeting will also address resolutions on antisemitism and immigration.

King Charles III has outlined the British government's legislative plans as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure to stay in power. In a ceremonial speech to Parliament, the king emphasized the U.K.'s focus on energy policy, defense, and national security amid the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. He also pledged action against antisemitism, highlighting British values of decency and tolerance. Starmer's leadership is under scrutiny after significant losses in local elections. Some Labour Party members have urged him to set a departure timetable, and Health Secretary Wes Streeting might challenge him. The King's Speech aims to address economic and security challenges.