Long-time Southern Baptist lay leader Paul Pressler used religion to sexually abuse a boy in the 1980s, and when that no longer worked began paying him as an adult to keep their relationship a secret, according to a new petition in the Texas Court of Appeals.
‘All Survivors Day’ piggybacks on All Saints’ Day to raise awareness about sexual abuse
While kids celebrate Halloween and liturgical churches observe All Saints’ Day, several advocacy organizations are combining efforts to recognize survivors of sexual abuse. All Survivors Day, Nov. 3, is an international day to share survivor stories, raise awareness and seek…
Pastor’s return to ministry received as bad news in abuse survivor community
Andy Savage – co-founder of a Tennessee megachurch who resigned last year as teaching pastor after admitting to sexually abusing a 17-year-old girl two decades earlier – is starting a new church for others who, in his words, “got our hands on the wrong thing.”
Former state exec says arguments by NAMB attorneys increase SBC’s risk of liability for sexual abuse
For decades the SBC has avoided liability in criminal and civil actions involving churches or affiliated organizations by claiming they are all autonomous, self-governing organizations. But former Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware Executive Director Will McRaney claims in a new court document that lawyers representing NAMB turn that argument on its head.
One of the first of many sexual abuse lawsuits expected under a new California law targets Modesto megachurch
A survivor of childhood sexual abuse is suing a California church and her former youth pastor in one of the first of many lawsuits expected to be filed under a new law greatly extending the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims.
Pastor apologizes for ‘insensitive’ remarks about abuse arrest
A pastor slammed on social media for comments about abuse allegations involving his church has apologized for his tone-deaf response.
Under #caringwell scrutiny, Texas Baptist church slammed for response to abuse arrest
While national leaders continue grapple with new revelations of past missteps involving the reporting of sexual abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention, a Texas church urged its members to give a former worship leader under arrest for alleged sex crimes in Tennessee the benefit of the doubt.
No speedy trial for Paige Patterson’s ‘break her down’ lawsuit
A woman who claims in a lawsuit that she was mistreated after reporting rape at a Southern Baptist Convention seminary won’t get her day in court before 2021.
Former minister at CBF church confesses to sexting with teen
A former minister at a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship-affiliated church in North Carolina has pleaded guilty to enticing and coercing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.