There really are no words to add to the recent investigative report on sexual abuse issues in Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) churches released by the Houston Chronicle.
You’ll find comments and concerns from leaders across the SBC on pages 1, 4 and 5 as well as a full report in the article starting on page 1.
It is truly heartbreaking on so many levels and obviously difficult to eradicate because of the number of churches from various polity structures having dealt with sexual abuse issues for years and years, possibly always.
And of course this is not a situation isolated to churches. It happens in schools and anywhere you find children.
I wish I had the answer as I’m guessing most of our denominational leaders do as well.
I have been impressed to watch the leaders encourage transparency and a willingness to deal with the situation head on rather than attempt to “manage the message.”
As a journalist by trade, it also has been encouraging to experience an appreciation and respect for the investigative reporting taking place.
D. August Boto, interim president of the SBC Executive Committee, said in an interview with the Chronicle that the newspaper is “not the opponent of the Southern Baptist Convention.”
“You’re helping us,” he said. “I’m all for shining the light of day upon crime.”
Randy Adams, executive director of the Northwest Baptist Convention and past president of the SBC state convention executive directors, affirmed the role of newspapers.
Organizations, entities and churches are only going to share what puts their group in a positive light — which is OK, he said, noting that is what he does in his role.
However, there are times when accountability is needed and that should be done by trained professionals such as news reporters, he said.
Of course as believers we know that Numbers 32:23 tells us that “your sin will find you out.” How we convince ourselves that we can truly get away with any sin in the end baffles me but we all do it.
When it comes to the sexual abuse situation we are now publically addressing in the Church, we can see how the thought pattern decades ago of keeping it quiet was not the answer.
For whatever reasons the leaders at that time thought they were making the right decision.
It is likely most of us who grew up in the church knew of or heard of one of those hush-hush situations. But I’ve also watched pastors bravely deal with the issue with transparency and quick action.
It really isn’t a new issue. Sadly, it has been happening and very likely is taking place in one of your churches right now.
The question now is how are we as believers going to demonstrate the power of the gospel in the awfulness of this terrible brokenness?
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