SBC Executive Committee Releases List of Alleged and Convicted Sex Abusers

abuser list
A cross and Bible sculpture stand outside the Southern Baptist Convention headquarters in Nashville, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. On Tuesday, top administrative leaders for the SBC, the largest Protestant denomination in America, said that they will release a secret list of hundreds of pastors and other church-affiliated personnel accused of sexual abuse. (AP Photo/Holly Meyer)

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Speaking to Baptist Press, EC Chairman Ronnie Slade says he hopes “survivors will know that they are seen and believed. Their stories have come out into the light.” He acknowledges the long wait many victims have endured, but he requests ongoing patience “because we are stepping into unchartered waters.” Despite choppy conditions, he says, “we will be with the One who stills the storm.”

Releasing the offender list is an act of faith, akin to stepping out of the boat to walk on the water, Slade tells Baptist Press. “We will sink” unless we stay focused on Jesus, he says. “The time is now for action, not words. We must move forward with focus, intentionality, and determination. If we do not, we will not see healing.”

The SBC has set up a confidential hotline for abuse survivors. Anyone who was victimized by a Southern Baptist leader or suspects abuse by one can call 202-864-5578 or email SBChotline@guidepostsolutions.com.

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Stephanie Martin
Stephanie Martin, a freelance writer and editor in Denver, has spent her entire 30-year journalism career in Christian publishing. She loves the Word and words, is a binge reader and grammar nut, and is fanatic (as her family can attest) about Jeopardy! and pro football.

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