“We stand firmly against any behavior that undermines trust and integrity,” the church said in a statement to ChurchLeaders. The church’s leadership plans to “submit a recommendation to the church membership concerning Dr. Queen’s status and relationship with Friendly Avenue Baptist Church, all in accordance with the church’s governing documents.”
“Our primary concern remains the spiritual well-being and support of our congregation. We are dedicated to maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for all members and attendees,” the statement concluded. “We ask for your prayers and understanding as we navigate this difficult season.”
Southwestern Seminary reiterated in a statement that the school had “fully cooperated with the Department of Justice in its investigation.”
“We remain resolute in our commitment to continue to do so,” the school said. “We pray for victims of sexual abuse. Southwestern Seminary remains committed to doing everything possible to protect all members of the seminary community from sexual abuse and harassment.”
The school also included a personal statement from Terri Stovall.
“In response to the announcement of Matt Queen’s guilty plea, I offer this statement as the woman identified in court documents as ‘Employee-1,’” Stovall said. “All my actions in this matter were motivated by the desire to do what was right for an alleged victim, even when it meant standing against the malicious actions of Queen and other men who are now former employees but were in positions of authority at the time.”
Stovall expressed gratitude for “the diligence of the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York for holding Queen accountable for his criminal actions while serving as interim provost at Southwestern.”
“My hope is that the full truth and extent of his actions—and the actions of others who are no longer employed at Southwestern—will one day come to light,” Stovall added. “Their egregious behavior has caused deep harm to me and others within our Southwestern community, and has brought significant cost to the institution, while harming their own Gospel witness.”
“In contrast, I am grateful for seminary colleagues who acted properly and supported me during this ordeal,” Stovall said. “I am a proud Southwesterner and remain committed to the mission of this historic seminary.”
To conclude, Stovall wrote, “One day, I will tell my full story; today is not that day.”
Queen is set to be sentenced in February 2025.
