HOUSTON (AP) — The Southern Baptist Convention is gathering in Houston for its annual meeting at a time when the denomination is contemplating a different cultural and political climate than a decade ago.

The meeting of the nation's largest Protestant denomination happens Tuesday and Wednesday at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The executive committee plans to meet Monday afternoon.

While the agenda of resolutions isn't set yet, one top leader expects there to be a resolution declaring the threat to religious liberty posed by federal policies on contraceptive care and gays in the military.

The meeting comes at a time when the conservative denomination holds less political influence than it did during the two terms of President George W. Bush and public acceptance of gay marriage is growing.

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