RALEIGH, N.C. (ABP) — Coy Privette, the president of a Christian morality group and a former state legislator and Southern Baptist Convention leader, has been arrested on prostitution-related charges in North Carolina.
Privette, the president of the Christian Action League in North Carolina, was charged July 19 with six counts of aiding and abetting prostitution.
According to arrest documents secured by the Biblical Recorder, Privette's alleged actions took place in a Rowan County hotel between May 4 and June 25. Tiffany Denise Summers, 32, of Salisbury, N.C., was charged with six counts of prostitution in connection with the investigation.
Privette, 74, is a former trustee of the Christian Life Commission (now Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission), the Southern Baptist Convention's moral-watchdog agency. He is a former trustee chair of the SBC's Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C.
Sex scandals have become more prominent in Baptist circles recently, with clergy sex-abuse cases recently shocking churches in Texas, Missouri, Kentucky and Florida. In 2006, Oklahoma pastor Lonnie Latham, a member of the powerful SBC Executive Committee, was arrested for “offering to engage in an act of lewdness” with a male undercover police officer.
Baptists are not alone, however. Colorado megachurch pastor Ted Haggard, the leader of the National Association of Evangelicals, resigned in 2006 after a church investigative board found him guilty of “sexually immoral conduct” with a gay man. Haggard also admitted he had bought methamphetamine from the man.
In addition to his national leadership roles, Privette also is a former president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, a retired pastor, and a former state legislator and Cabarrus County commissioner.
Privette, who is married, was freed from Rowan County jail on a written promise to appear in court Aug. 22. A State Bureau of Investigation spokesman said the investigation is ongoing. Privette could not be reached for comment.
Privette is a current member of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and its executive committee. He was a state representative from 1984 to 1992 and has been a strong opponent of liquor, gambling and illegal immigration.
Privette's position as president of the Christian Action league is non-paid, but he was executive director of the league for 15 years, beginning in 1980. The league lobbies legislators to consider a Christian perspective in pending legislation, according to Executive Director Mark Creech. Creech said he was “shocked and dismayed” by the allegations against Privette.
“We discourage the promotion and use of beverage alcohol and other drugs, pornography, sexual immorality and other sinful practices that not only undermine the spiritual lives of those who participate in them but also undermine the strength of our state and national character,” the league's web site says.
In a press conference July 19 outside the league office, Creech expressed his love for Privette, whom he said mentored him in his Christian activism. He said Privette “has been a man of good reputation and excellent character.”
Unable to reach Privette for comment, Creech said, “We only know the charges. We haven't heard from him and are reserving judgment until we do.”
If the allegations prove true, Creech said he would be “absolutely broken-hearted and disappointed.”
“Our hearts are deeply burdened by this news,” Creech said. “We are praying for Mr. Privette, his family and all those that this situation effects.”
Milton Hollifield Jr., executive director-treasurer of the North Carolina state convention, expressed a similar sentiment: “I am deeply grieved about these allegations, should they be proven true. Although I am saddened by this news, I appreciate Mr. Privette and the good service he has rendered through the years to the people of this state, including various Baptist organizations. The most important statement that I can make is that my prayers are with Coy and his family during this difficult time for all of them.”
During a conference call, the board of the Christian Action League removed Privette as president, pending resolution of the charges. League vice president David Hansley of Kinston, N.C., has assumed the duties of president.
There has been no similar action concerning Privette's service on the state convention executive committee, but Hollifield said Privette “will do the right thing with regards to his responsibilities to the convention.”
Creech said charges against Privette will not hinder Christian Action League work with legislators.
“I'm hopeful and don't believe it's going to injure our credibility with them,” he said. “Legislators know better than anyone that one man does not represent the whole body. … The Christian Action League has been an organization of considerable integrity with a positive record for honest, effective, good moral leadership.”
Privette and his wife, Betty, taught English in China several times with North Kannapolis Baptist Church, where he was pastor from 1962 to 1976.
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— Norman Jameson is the editor-elect for the Biblical Recorder.