Finally, I must acknowledge and thank Pastor Slade, the EC officers, and trustees who agreed to resolve our disputes through their action today as well as their legal counsel who worked quickly to process four years of information. As I’ve shared with those to whom I’ve been able to speak and to their lawyers, although this by no means restores what I’ve lost, I am grateful because it is the only action I could imagine that may at least make the ongoing damage stop. My focus will now turn to my health and trying to build a future. I do so having accepted the apology offered by the EC in their public statement and with enduring gratitude for Rachael Denhollander as well as Russell and Maria Moore—without whom I cannot imagine still being here.
Beth Moore, Dwight McKissic, and Others Respond
SBC leaders, former SBC leaders, and others like author Shelia Wray Gregoire responded to Lyell’s thankful SBC tweet and her statement.
“You deserved to be treated with honesty, dignity, gentleness, respect, integrity and follow through,” SBC pastor Dwight McKissic wrote. “I grieve with you regarding the ill treatment of the past. Grateful, it’s a new season upon us, and you are now being treated with the honor, candor, transparency, and integrity.”
Beth Moore said, “I love you, Jen.”
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“So glad you finally got some vindication and validation! Know that many of us were standing with you the whole time,” Sheila Wray Gregoire replied.
Megan Lively, a sexual abuse survivor and advocate, wrote, “I will stand with you, love you, and break down doors with you until the day we die. I wish justice could heal your pain, take away your health problems, and change the past. But I’m glad you have this day. I love you always, J Lyell.”
“I love you, I support you and I am thankful for any measure of resolve/acknowledgment/apology etc. given to you for all of the harm you were forced to endure, sexual abuse survivor Tiffany Thigpen said. “Your case also allowed others to see how deeply embedded this evil is & NO ONE is exempt or safe. 💔 Much love.”
Sexual abuse survivor Jules Woodson told Lyell, “Jen, the grace you so courageously demonstrate, time and time again, is an inspiration to me and so many others. Though nothing can/will erase the pain you’ve senselessly had to endure, my prayer is that you may now rest a little easier. Always with you in solidarity and with ❤.”
