The North Carolina Biblical Recorder reports that the SBC Sexual Abuse Advisory Group has been released. 52 pages and the pdf is available for download at caringwell.com/report/
BREAKING: The Sexual Abuse Advisory Group report is out. This comes as part of a two-year effort launched by @jdgreear and @ERLC to study the crisis of sex abuse in Southern Baptist churches and recommend steps forward. #SBC19 https://t.co/94J9slBtZd
— Biblical Recorder (@biblicalrecord) June 8, 2019
The 52-page report, described as a “first step,” includes first-hand accounts from survivors of sexual abuse, as well as calls to “illuminate the evil” and “lament the wrong that has been done.”
— Biblical Recorder (@biblicalrecord) June 8, 2019
“Moving forward, we must determine to no longer allow our church structure or its leadership to hinder justice or healing for survivors of sexual abuse,” the report said.
— Biblical Recorder (@biblicalrecord) June 8, 2019
Lots more in the report. Story to come. #SBC19
— Biblical Recorder (@biblicalrecord) June 8, 2019
Like the Recorder and many others, we’ll be reading the report and will have thoughts and reflections soon.
I am concerned about the word “widespread” that is used for abuse in this report. I hope it is not exaggerated. If true, then our pastors, elders, deacons, etc. have totally failed us. Widespread… think of it. That’s a big word. Its “widespread” that pastors, youth pastors, deacons, elders, either commit abuse or cover up abuse they know about. If true… how to you move forward without a wholesale cleaning from top to bottom. Is that what we are calling for?
Read it. Failure at every level.
I believe I have said a version of this to you before. The issue is important if it is only your family that has been impacted. It is widespread is there is 2 or more.
This is a emotionally difficult report to read. But I am happy it’s out in the open. Mark Smith: This report is NOT exaggerated. If anything there are even more than this report covers.
I made this thread with some of the most notable sections as I read through it this evening. https://twitter.com/Brent_Hobbs/status/1137466393346105349
Thanks Brents for the link and the quotes.
The church building is not the church.
Thus the building may or not be a safe place for the vulnerable.
It is our duty and responsibility as the Church, the Body of Christ, to make our gatherings safe for the ones who need protection the most.
Everything will be exposed by the light, but let us labor to expose the darkness sooner [as in now or as in as soon as possible] rather than later.
Lest we be found in compliance with evil.