Ministry Sexual Abuse

“it’s time to stop talking about what we’re going to do and take an initial, strategic step of action that puts into place an administrative response to this issue.” - Baptist Press

“Nearly 3 in 5 congregations affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (58%) use background checks. More than a third (36%) are trained in reporting sexual abuse, while 16% are trained in caring for survivors.” - The Baptist Paper

The “comprehensive plan for churches to implement abuse prevention protocols and care for survivors, was already put in the hands of thousands of church leaders at the SBC Annual Meeting Indianapolis. But the demand has only grown.” - Baptist Press

“A church congregation is more than just a group of people; they are a family. In times of crisis, it is crucial to communicate with them personally.” - Phil Cooke

“the Board has retained the law firm of Haynes & Boone, LLP, to conduct an independent, thorough, and professional review of the report of past abuse to ensure we have a complete understanding of the events from 1982-1987” - CPost

“On Tuesday afternoon, June 11, messengers to the 2024 Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis overwhelmingly approved two recommendations brought forward by the SBC Abuse Reform and Implementation Task Force (ARITF).” - Baptist Press

“To date, no names appear on the Ministry Check website designed to track abusive pastors, despite a mandate from Southern Baptists to create the database. The committee has also found no permanent home or funding for abuse reforms, meaning that two of the task force’s chief tasks remain unfinished.” - Christianity Today

“In the wake of various sexual abuse scandals, many churches are weighing the importance of background checks in their hiring processes and working to find the way to best protect children within the church.” - The Baptist Paper

“A former Southern Baptist seminary professor and interim provost has been indicted on a charge of obstructing justice in a sexual misconduct case, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday (May 21).” - RNS

Also…

“As he spoke some members from the audience jeered, many carrying signs that read ‘Christ Church Not Welcome Here’ and [worse things].” - RNS