In a video interview, Marshall Blalock, chairman of the SBC’s Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force (ARITF), talked with Samantha Kilpatrick of Guidepost Solutions about the organization’s new Faith-Based Solutions division and plans for the upcoming Ministry Check database. In the conversation, which was released March 1 on the ARITF website, Blalock, senior pastor of […]
A wide-ranging interview on CBS’ “60 Minutes” Oct. 9 focused on the SBC’s recent decisions to address sexual abuse, was well-received by a group of Southern Baptist leaders. The Sunday evening interview by Anderson Cooper covered not only sexual abuse, but political divisions in the country regarding former President Donald Trump, the separation of church […]
The South Carolina Baptist Sexual Abuse Task Force has completed nearly a year of research, prayer, and work. Their report, after approval from the Executive Board, will be presented at this year’s annual meeting Nov. 13-14 at Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo. The Courier sat down with D.J. Horton, lead pastor at Church at […]
The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee voted Sept. 20 to add a sexual abuse awareness day to be known as Caring Well Sunday to the SBC Calendar of Activities. Approval of the recommendation that the last Sunday in September be set aside for the emphasis was the latest action taken within the convention in an […]
Bart Barber, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, has announced the names of those who will lead and serve on the SBC Abuse Response Implementation Task Force, according to a Baptist Press release. The news follows an announcement that Marshall Blalock will chair the task force and Mike Keahbone will serve as vice chair. Both […]
The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee has been informed that the United States Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into the SBC that will include “multiple SBC entities,” according to an Aug. 12 statement from all SBC entity leaders and SBC President Bart Barber. “Individually and collectively, each SBC entity is resolved to fully […]
In an effort to ensure that students are equipped to prevent and respond to abuse in their ministry contexts, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary has announced the launch of a mandatory sexual abuse prevention and response course. “Sexual abuse in any form should not be tolerated. It is a sinful act against fellow image bearers and […]
Following the recent report that addressed how Southern Baptists have handled sexual abuse allegations in the past, Send Relief is seeking to be a part of the solution by establishing a survivor care fund. Send Relief, the compassion ministry arm of the Southern Baptist Convention of churches, committed $3 million in funding to the SBC […]
As Christian groups and denominations debate the proper response to clergy sexual misconduct (both child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault), most pastors believe those who commit such crimes should withdraw from public ministry permanently. At the recent Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting, the topic of pastoral sexual abuse and assault dominated much of the […]
A former Southern Baptist missionary and South Carolina Baptist Convention employee has pled guilty to misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury, according to the Houston Chronicle. Mark Aderholt, former associate director and chief strategist for the SCBC, was arrested last July on charges in Tarrant County, Texas, of sexually assaulting a child under age 17 more […]