A group of Alabama pastors has joined the growing number of Southern Baptist ministry leaders sending open letters and public statements to the SBC Executive Committee. So far the letter has been signed by 19 Alabama Baptist lead pastors, seven associate-level pastors and one director of missions
In a letter dated Sept. 30, the pastors and DOM said in part: “We want to be unashamedly clear. We repudiate any form of sexual abuse and any attempt to cover up such abhorrent sin. We rejoice that the Executive Committee shares the same sentiment. Following the directive of the messengers is the best way to affirm support for survivors of abuse and to walk in a manner ‘worthy of your calling.’ The loss of our witness on such a large scale would violate the spirit of fiduciary trust that you, serving as our Executive Committee, have been given.
“We sincerely urge you to waive Attorney-Client Privilege, as instructed by the messengers in June, when you meet again on Tuesday. For the sake of those whose lives are deeply affected by sexual abuse, for the sake of our ability to earnestly engage our neighbors, and above all for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, please hear our hearts on this matter.”
More signatures are anticipated being added to the letter as it continues to circulate. The full letter is linked below:
Letter to EC from Alabama pastors
To read the statement released by Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, click here.
Editor’s Note — Update 10-01-21, 6 p.m. shows signatures have increased to more than 50. See latest version of the letter below:
Letter to EC from Alabama pastors updated 10-01-21 6 pm
Editor’s Note — Update 10-02-21, 4 p.m. shows signatures have increased to more than 60. See latest version of the letter here. Those interested in signing the letter also can add their name directly to the Google doc.
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