Stephen D. “Steve” Wood, the archbishop and senior-most official of the Anglican Church in North America, faces allegations of sexual misconduct, bullying and plagiarism, according to an investigation and “presentment” (formal church complaint) first reported by the Washington Post. The allegations…
Why fundamentalist men won’t stop the abuse of women
“She had it coming.” Those were the words a relative said to the television as the anchor finished his report some years ago about a sexual abuse football scandal at Baylor University. Tevin Elliot, Baylor’s star linebacker, had been accused…
David Sills won’t press case against Lyell’s estate
Since Jennifer Lyell is dead, David and Mary Sills will not seek legal damages against her estate but they will continue their litigation against the Southern Baptist Convention and 10 other people or entities. Sills, a former professor at Southern…
SBC launches new sexual abuse helpline
After scathing criticism of its current sexual abuse hotline, the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee launched an alternative help line Aug. 18. The announcement came from the SBC Executive Committee’s Office for Abuse Prevention and Response. The new hotline is…
The betrayal of a historic wisdom
For decades, there was a historic wisdom in the connectionalism and autonomy of local churches within Southern Baptist life. That wisdom is evident in the way local churches have related to one another — fostering friendships, camaraderie and mutual support….
Wes Campbell resigns from Gospel Music Association board after Tait sex abuse allegations
Wes Campbell has resigned from the Gospel Music Association board after allegations that Newsboys Inc. helped cover up sexual abuse committed by former Newsboys frontrunner Michael Tait. Campbell is the owner of Newsboys Inc., which was dropped from its record…
CBF session explores responses to sexual abuse in congregations
One learning lab at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s General Assembly asked attendees to consider what their church would do if abuse happened in their congregation. Jay Kieve, CBF’s abuse prevention and response advocate, joined attorney David Cooke to talk through…
Pope Leo XIV Wants Priests To Stay Celibate And Deal Firmly With Sex Abusers
Pope Leo XIV affirmed Wednesday that priests must be celibate and insisted that bishops take “firm and decisive” action to deal with sex abusers, as he gave marching orders Wednesday to the world’s Catholic hierarchs.
Building a world without sexual harm — one small act at a time
Influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have been charged with rape and human trafficking. Dan Norris, Labor MP and mayor of the West of England, has been arrested for rape, child abduction and child sex offences. And comedian Russell Brand appeared in court last month over…
‘All the Buried Women’ podcast weaves a story of women and abuse in the SBC
Beth Allison Barr is well-known for her two bestselling books — The Making of Biblical Womanhood and Becoming the Pastor’s Wife — but now she’s added podcaster to her resume. Baylor University students know Barr as a history professor, but…
What a database can’t do
It is a dark irony that people who claim to stand for truth can so effectively bury the truth about abuse. Although it never should have been her story, Jennifer Lyell was one of many who bravely reported abuse at…
Truett McConnell faculty chairs went straight to trustees
The jury is out on the long-term damage to Truett McConnell University brought by a sexual abuse scandal, but the next few weeks will prove critical. News broke May 29 that a former coed had accused a former vice president…