If Southern Baptists are to have any pure witness, the best way forward is to not only state their belief in scriptures, but to show it in action. These action steps could not only become a way forward, but also could allow a model for other denominations and organizations to follow.
The SBC wants to be known as a Missions Organization and prides itself as a missionary sending powerhouse, though it seems it is often forgotten that the mission field includes its local congregations, and its own members. If you aren’t protecting those in your own backyard mission field isn’t it counterproductive to your witness?
All people deserve to be protected from harm, all should be shielded from spiritual abuse by way of sexual abusers and the harm that comes from spiritual leaders not standing against the abuser. Secondary abuse in response and going lightly on the abuser further deeply scars survivors. When you do so, through neglect, direct actions to cover, shaming them, looking away, you become secondary abusers and part of the problem.
God’s command for care is not for the abuser—he says to treat them as an enemy—his command is for the abused and broken-hearted. Are you for God or against Him? Men claiming to be called by God yet show no courage to stand against abusers in their ranks aren’t leading as men of God at all. God hates abuse, hates darkness, hates false witness, hates idolatry, hehatesthis sinand evil.
You have a choice. Will you rise up? Will you listen or look away? That’s what we’ve been asking these nearly 20 years. Now that it’s exposed, messengers, pastors, leaders, trustees, believers, what will your response be? No second chances to get this right–this is the time.
Tiffany Thigpen
Survivor/Advocate/Light Bearer