Why Defining Gossip Matters in the Church’s Response to Abuse
Body
“Have we tamed the tongue too much? Christians work to recover a biblical understanding of harmful hearsay vs. healthy criticism.” - C. Today
Independent review finds no evidence of sexual abuse coverup by Summit staff member
Body
“There is no evidence that Bryan Loritts discouraged anyone from reporting sexual abuse when he was pastor at a Memphis church, according to an independent review launched by his current employer, The Summit Church.” - BPNews
Discussion
“...in our desire to protect our institution (to protect the name of Christ) we take the path of the scoffer”
Body
On Prov. 15:12 “It would do us well, as institutions and individuals, to consider what areas of our lives and our systems that we’re not willing to run towards the microscope. If we’ll listen to our anger it can help us. Often it is those truth-tellers which stir us up to anger that will give us the key to understanding our blind spots.” - SBC Voices
Discussion
Southern Baptists Expel Two More Churches Over Abuse
Body
“Top leaders address divides in the denomination at the first in-person Executive Committee meeting in a year.” - C.Today
Related …
Discussion
The Summit Church Admits Falling ‘Short of the Mark’ in Vetting Bryan Loritts’ Handling of Abuse Case
Body
“…the North Carolina megachurch helmed by Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President J.D. Greear, has hired an independent firm to investigate concerns regarding Pastor Bryan Loritts, a recent hire from Tennessee.
Discussion
Report: Church of England Failed to Tackle Child Sex Abuse
Body
“The Church of England failed to protect children and young people from sexual predators for decades, preferring instead to safeguard its own reputation, and created a culture where abusers were able to hide, an independent report said Tuesday.” - C.Leaders
Discussion
New hiring guide to help churches prevent abuse (it's free)
Body
“A manual providing guidance on hiring staff members and selecting volunteers is the latest Southern Baptist resource designed to help churches prevent sexual abuse….
Discussion
Background Checks Remain Essential Part of Reopening Kids Ministries
Body
“A LifeWay Research study found more than 1 in 10 Protestant pastors say someone on church staff has sexually harassed a congregation member at some point in the church’s life.” - F&T
Discussion
Arkansas Baptists seek dismissal of sexual abuse lawsuit
Body
Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC): “Plaintiff Fields incorrectly claims that the ABSC was in control of the church and the pastor and therefore should have known about and prevented the alleged abuse. … The ABSC denies ever exercising any control over Millcreek or any other Arkansas Baptist church.
Discussion
Why Complementarians Should Be “First Responders” Against Abuse
Body
“…complementarians such as myself should be the first to recognize the responsibilities and dangers of authority because we recognize the God-intended asymmetries between men and women in the church and the home.” - 9 Marks
Discussion
Image
Discussion