Abuse survivors and their advocates have long called for the creation and funding of an independent investigatory body in the SBC and staffed with experts on sex abuse. Part of the task of such a committee would be to investigate “credible reports” of abuse in SBC churches. So far as I know, no SBC leader supports this proposal.
Yesterday, Al Mohler, president of our oldest seminary, announced nominee for president of the SBC, and one whom many would say is the SBC’s most visible spokesperson, made a statement to the public about an SBC pastor, SBTS grad and adjunct professor. The statement is at the end of this article.
Actions that involved SBTS were taken based on the “credible accusations of misconduct”. Neither Mohler nor any other SBC leader can direct any church to take action on the matter. It is significant that the SBC Executive Committee’s enhanced Credentials Committee now has the task to “make inquiries” of a church over their handling of an abuse accusation. The results of the inquiry would lead to a decision about the church being excluded from the national SBC.
Looks to this observer that this is a case the Credentials Committee will be forced to consider. Also, since Mohler has tweeted on the matter, I’d be shocked if Baptist Press failed to carry this story. We will see. Seth Brown of the Biblical Recorder has several tweets that provide context @dsethbrown
It should be noted that the matter is one of “allegations” as Mohler puts it. There is nothing Mohler, the Executive Committee, or any other SBC body or individual can say or do to disqualify any individual from serving any SBC church. Churches make their own decisions as do seminary and other SBC entities.
As is usually the case, the matter came to be public knowledge by means of social media. Mohler and SBTS picked it up and acted upon it in short order.
In the past such things might be whispered among knowledgeable SBCers. Now, they are shouted early and often.
And thanks to the commenter who noted my mistake on Seth Brown. Fixed it.
This is good. The downside is that Mohler is not afraid to use his platform to speak out. He has had the pu8blic microphone for decades and knows how to use it (good for him and I hope he uses it whenever needed). Many churches – church leaders – other no-names do not have such a platform or do not know how to use the one they have. Mohler’s job would not be in jeopardy due to his speaking out. A local church Pastor’s probably would. It seems we could use a helpline to walk Pastors…. churches through a process when such is discovered. A real person/organization which also stands in the gap with/when the person reporting is not getting support.
Just a few quick thoughts.
2 Questions:
1. Will the the credentials committee open an “inquiry” relating to each church calling the accused that the complaintants named as having been notified of the accusations since 2002?
2. Is The senior pastor at the church where these events took place in 2002 – and are alleged to have been reported to – still in southern Baptist ministry? If so his current church, imo, ought to be gathering information and asking him some questions.
As to This Wesley Feltner guy ( despite his denials of all the complaints asserted – but still based on what he has admitted to) has been disqualified from pastoral ministry… This is an easy call….Even though he is contending the relationships were consensual and not coercive … He was their pastor… Entering into sinful sexual/physical relationships with those under his care is permanently disqualifying as to his being an undershepherd.
I may have missed part of what Feltner has said so far, but I believe the following statements represent an accurate characterization of his response.
“I agree with some of the facts alleged in the statements and deeply regret the hurt I might have caused to the women. But some of the allegations are not true and do not reflect who I was 17 years ago nor who I am today.”
“The Bible directs God’s people to take their grievances first to the person accused and, if that person won’t listen, to try again and bring a witness; and if the person still won’t listen, then to take it to the church (Matthew 18:15-17). The group circulating these allegations did not bring them to me, rather, they took them directly to the church and, not being satisfied with the church’s response, they have taken them to the general public.”
Feltner said he has reached out several times to meet with the women, including with a mediator if they wish, but they have declined.
“Meanwhile, not having spoken with me for 17 years, they have organized to destroy my reputation and my career,” he said.
I think Mohler’s responses to situations like this may be best characterized as articulate, administratively competent, and statesman-like. He also seems to be a fiscally competent manager; committed to a “biblical” ethical framework. I’ve never had reason to doubt his commitment to the intellectually apparent “truth”. I think he was genuinely shocked when he realized what had happened at SGM churches and his assessment of historical racial issues left no stone uncovered. But, nothing seems to interrupt his ubiquitous presence and commentary. There always seems to be a human element missing with Mr. Mohler.
Though I’m extremely wary of credentials committee investigations, i think SBTS has had enough issues in the past couple of years to warrant a look from a group a brothers and sisters. A local church theoretically has the Spirit given ability to correct course and people are more free to find a healthier environment. The local church is ideally a fellowship where all kind of dysfunction is regularly being addressed within.
I am thankful that the church has been patient and loving with me as I become more Spiritually functional. I am thankful that I now have the freedom to say something when I see something or stand up and walk out the door before the service is over when my Spiritual sense says that something just isn’t right. I’ve responded with the wrong attitude many times and have learned to apologize, but I thank God that i stood up and walked to that children’s area with fifteen minutes left to go in the service despite the protests of my wife. The guy speaking that day is now a registered sex offender listed in the Houston Chronicle database. I am thankful the I wasn’t waist deep in a seminary education with him as the professor.
And…there it is, a prompt and detailed story from Baptist Press. Includes new comments.
http://www.bpnews.net/53884/pastor-accused-of-abuse-top-candidate-at-tenn-church
The enhanced and empowered Credentials Committee is, I believe, in the process of creating guidelines and policies for their work. I have no idea where they are in this but it is a complicated matter.