A three-part Houston Chronicle/San Antonio Express-News newspaper story about widespread sexual abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention has prompted one powerful leader to apologize for his past defense of a ministry colleague accused of conspiracy in a high profile lawsuit dismissed on a legal technicality in 2013.
Survivor says SBC leaders’ response to abuse revelations little help to victims
A woman alleging sexual abuse by a Southern Baptist youth minister two decades ago says prevention measures being discussed amid new media reports about sexual predators in the Southern Baptist Convention are too little too late for victims.
Newspaper story on sexual abuse in SBC was a long time coming for activist Christa Brown
Christa Brown contacted 18 influential Baptist leaders in four states between July 2004 and May 2005, warning there might be a sexual predator among their ranks. Not one offered to help. Today she has their attention.
Minister’s healing from sexual abuse intersects #MeToo era in new memoir
Lucille F. Sider is an ordained minister called to bring healing to others while carrying dark, painful secrets inside her for decades.
Southern Babtoys Corporation: a satirical look at the pervasive problem of clergy sexual abuse
Most people wouldn’t accept excuses from a company whose product caused serious injuries to children. So why do people accept evasive explanations from a Baptist denomination for clergy sex abuse?
Former Southern Baptist missionary indicted for sexual assault allegation initially unreported to police
A former Southern Baptist missionary has been indicted for sexual assault over allegations that denominational leaders knew about 11 years ago but did not report to the police. Mark Edwin Aderholt, 47, stands formally charged with four felony counts of…
Female youth worker at Baptist church accused of statutory rape
A 35-year-old Tennessee woman is behind bars for allegedly having sex with a 16-year-old boy she met at church. Courtney Michelle Bingham was arrested on Dec. 4 after allegedly sending nude photos to the teen she met at Bethany Baptist…
Church volunteer charged with child sex abuse has worked with kids before
Before volunteering to work with children at NewSpring Church in North Charleston, South Carolina, Jake Hazlett frequented other multi-site megachurches affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention that don’t include the word “Baptist” in their name.
Lawsuit says church missed child abuse caught on security camera
A South Carolina megachurch is under scrutiny after the arrest of a church volunteer reportedly caught on security video molesting 14 preschoolers in the last three months.