Guidepost Solutions has issued a scathing report accusing leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention, America’s largest Protestant denomination, of routinely stonewalling claims of clergy abuse for the past two decades [1].
Convicted child molesters were allowed to continue in ministry without warning to their current congregations across multiple states.
This revelation is akin to the Catholic Church sex scandal in severity. It confirms that pride and sexual sin are not limited to a single denomination (or linked to a vow of chastity).
Scripture makes absolutely clear the requirements for ministry:
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence…not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride…Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside… Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless” (1 Tim. 3: 2-4, 6-10).
Sterling character is mandatory. Above all, however, church leaders must have a servant’s heart (Mark 9: 35).
Clearly, those here lacked that essential requirement or they could have mustered some degree of compassion for the victims. No amount of empty mea culpas and pious breast-beating now will suffice.
—
[1] Today, “Southern baptists stonewalled sex abuse victims for almost 20 years, report shows” by Associated Press, 5/23/22, https://www.today.com/news/news/report-shows-top-southern-baptists-stonewalled-sex-abuse-victims-rcna30050.
Thanks to Operation Lost Souls, 70 missing children, ages 10 to 17 — runaways and victims of sex trafficking — have been located in Texas over the past few months.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is 888-373-7888.
FOR MORE OF MY ARTICLES ON POVERTY, POLITICS, AND MATTERS OF CONSCIENCE CHECK OUT MY BLOG A LAWYER’S PRAYERS AT: https://alawyersprayers.com
ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
The more I hear about this the more heartbroken 💔 I become!
Can hardly wait till the issues are resolved.
cjsmissionaryministry@gmail.com
On Sun, Jun 5, 2022, 12:04 AM ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving
That this could happen speaks volumes about the carnality of the church and the grave lack of Christ’s love in the hearts of those in whom we have entrusted the spiritual care and nourishment of the flock.
Personally, I would have a very hard time supporting any church, denomination, or fellowship that takes such a callous approach to the protection of its children.
Meanwhile, score another one for Satan in the battle for the souls of men. It’s no wonder the world looks at the church as a place that is no different than any other “social club”, where any and everything goes. Who can blame them?
I wholeheartedly agree, Ron. I believe such denominations not only dishonor but disqualify themselves from consideration as religious institutions.
If we love the Lord God what breaks his heart will break ours. This is certainly one of those things.
So right, Manette.
SBC has really disappointed me
I, too, am deeply disappointed. But no label and no status is a safeguard against sin. Indeed, in the last days we are told evil will increase (Matt. 24: 11-12). Our only hope is in Christ…not in men.
Agreed sister, no institution is immune just because they have a status or have been used by God; we must be vigiliant. As a pastor I regularly tell our congregation those who abuse kids will not expect me to hide them from authorities and the law; I hope telling people that helps our church have a biblical church culture but I know sin and Satan is slippery.