What the Southern Baptist sexual abuse scandal is about and how it could impact the country's largest Protestant denomination
For those unfamiliar with the controversy, let’s delve into the details of this distressing chapter in the Southern Baptist Convention's history.
As one of America’s largest Protestant and second-largest Christian denominations, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has been thrust into a sexual abuse scandal that has shaken its foundations. For those unfamiliar with the controversy, let’s delve into the details of this distressing chapter in the SBC’s history.
Background and Context: The SBC, composed of loosely affiliated member churches, boasts nearly 13 to 15 million members (depending on who you talk to). It is predominantly composed of white members who hold socially conservative views. Historically, the SBC has wielded significant political influence, particularly on issues like abortion. However, recent revelations have exposed deep-rooted problems within the denomination.
The Revelation: In 2022, the SBC released a 205-page document containing the names of hundreds of Baptist leaders and members accused or found guilty of sexual abuse of children. This list spans cases from 2000 to 2019 and includes 700 entries. The release followed a third-party investigation by Guidepost Solutions, which revealed serious mishandling of sexual abuse cases by the SBC’s Executive Committee. Guidepost Solutions caused an uproar after it posted a “pride” statement about LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community on its Twitter/X account.
Failures and Mistreatment: The investigation found that SBC leaders had stonewalled sex abuse victims. Survivors faced outright hostility, and their reports were often ignored or disbelieved. Shockingly, convicted molesters continued in ministry without notice or warning to their congregations. The SBC’s focus on church autonomy sometimes hindered taking action against abusive ministers.
Key Figures Implicated: Among those named was Johnny Hunt, a Georgia-based pastor and former SBC president. He faced accusations of sexually assaulting another pastor’s wife during a beach vacation in 2010. The scandal has tarnished the reputation of prominent leaders and exposed systemic failures.
The Fallout: The SBC now grapples with what some describe as a “Southern Baptist apocalypse.” Survivors of abuse seek hope and healing, while churches must proactively protect the vulnerable. The denomination faces a reckoning, not only for its handling of abuse cases but also for its historical racist past.
Push for Transparency: The blistering report has raised the possibility of creating a publicly accessible database of pastors and church personnel known to be abusers. Many believe it is paramount that the SBC confront its failures head-on and prioritize justice for survivors.
Department of Justice (DOJ) closes case: Recently it was announced that federal officials say a probe of accusations that the panel suppressed child abuse reports is closed and that criminal charges against panel members are unlikely (read related story). However, other SBC entities may continue to be under investigation by the Justice Department, including Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, according to a victim’s advocate.
In summary, the Southern Baptist sexual abuse scandal has exposed deep-seated issues within the denomination. It is a painful reminder that no institution is immune to such atrocities, and the path forward requires transparency, accountability, and compassion for survivors.
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BONUS: A 40-year timeline of the Southern Baptist sexual abuse controversy
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has been embroiled in a long-standing sexual abuse controversy. Here’s a timeline of significant events related to the crisis.
1980s:
Darrell Gilyard, a protégé of former SBC Presidents Paige Patterson and Jerry Vines, faced accusations of sexual abuse. Despite convictions for sex crimes against minors, he returned to the pulpit and is listed as a registered sex offender in Florida.
2000:
SBC President Paige Patterson suggested holding a “lunch and one-hour awareness seminar” to prevent sexual abuse-related litigation.
Delegates at the annual meeting passed a resolution condemning the trafficking of women and children for sexual purposes and acknowledged the need to address clergy abuse within their ranks.
2002:
In response to the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scandal, Southern Baptists passed a resolution emphasizing the “sexual integrity” of clergy. It urged ministers to be morally above reproach and cooperate with civil authorities in abuse cases.
2004:
D. August “Augie” Boto became SBC Executive Committee general counsel, advising SBC Presidents on responses to sexual abuse allegations.
2021:
An independent review by Guidepost Solutions criticized the actions and inaction of SBC leaders, members, and critics regarding sexual abuse from 2000 to 2021. The SBC Executive Committee released the Guidepost report on May 22, 2022.
2023:
A confidential settlement was reached in a high-profile lawsuit that accused Paul Pressler, a former SBC leader, influential conservative activist, and former Texas judge, of sexual assault.
This legal drama contributed to a broader reckoning over child sexual abuse in evangelical churches.
In conclusion, the SBC’s handling of sexual abuse allegations remains a critical issue for the denomination and other evangelicals. Efforts continue to address and prevent such abuse within the denomination. Litigation may take years or decades to resolve and may create significant financial challenges for the SBC.
Sources: 40 years in the making: A timeline of the Southern Baptists’ sexual abuse crisis (Religion News Service), and texastribune.org.