How 'complementarianism' - the belief that God assigned specific gender roles - became part of evangelical doctrine Susan M. Shaw, Oregon State University April 13, 2021 FacebookTwitterEmail Susan M. Shaw, Oregon State University (THE CONVERSATION) Prominent evangelical leader Beth Moore, who announced in March 2021 that she was leaving the Southern Baptist Convention over its treatment of women, among other issues, recently apologized for supporting the primacy of the theology of “complementarianism.” This belief asserts that while women and men are of equal value, God has assigned them specific gender roles. Specifically, it promotes men’s headship or authority over women, while encouraging women’s submission.