Thousands of Southern Baptists overwhelmingly voted Wednesday to advance a formal ban on women pastors in the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, sending a clear message that men alone should preach to these conservative evangelical congregations.

Prominent conservative theologian Albert Mohler said he would propose an amendment making the Southern Baptist Convention's position clear.

Southern Baptist delegates have gathered in Orlando, Florida, for their annual meeting and they're expected to vote on a constitutional amendment to formally ban churches with…