In 2019, the Houston Chronicle released an article that exposed 700 Southern Baptist leaders to their involvement in sexual abuse and misconduct cases. It didn’t take long for this piece to spread like wildfire among the Southern Baptist denomination and others alike.
At that year’s convention, leaders hosted a sit-down conversation with the convention’s then-president J.D. Greear, and many other big-name leaders, as well as victims of sexual abuse. Intrigued to see how they planned to attack the problem, my mother and I drove over four hours to attend that discussion. We left feeling hopeful!
They released guidelines and reports that they hoped would “spark a movement of healing and reform.” Well-respected SBC leaders were so apologetic and regretful for the things they hadn’t done to protect the victims of this crime. It seemed that change was going to come from these conversations. Filled with emotions and a little bit of hope, we came home excited for what was to come.
Three years have passed since that bombshell article was released. So, I was curious when last week I noticed an article concerning the SBC’s “mishandling” of a sexual abuse case…that happened to have begun in 2019. You know, during that time back when they were so very remorseful.
The case involves Jennifer Lyell. In 2019, she was a well-known Christian publicist and had a lot of good things happening in her life. Until she realized that her seminary professor-turned-abuser was coming back to the states. While at seminary, Lyell was repeatedly abused by a man she thought to be a “man of God.” And when he returned to ministry, she knew she had to protect future girls from the same fate.
So, she stepped forward and told the story of her abuser. Lies about Lyell spread as a Baptist news organization spun the story and placed the blame on Lyell. Those sources have since been retracted. However, Lyell’s reputation and life were destroyed.
It wasn’t until February 22 of this year that Lyell received a public apology from the SBC, alongside a (much deserved) “undisclosed financial settlement.” Thankfully, Lyell got that apology and her case was settled. Many other victims (especially within the church) do not get this type of care and attention. But I just cannot get past the truth – it took three years for justice to be served. Yes, I understand our court system and how things take time. But what I cannot understand is how the church didn’t act like the church to this victim.
In choosing to step forward and warn of a wolf among the flock, Lyell lost her job, health, and reputation. What happened to those leaders in 2019 who were set on starting “a movement of healing and reform?” Where was that attitude when it came to Lyell’s abuse?
On average, every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. It should come as no shock that this awful travesty has made its way into the church. But what we should not do is blame victims or let abusers off the hook.
It took a victim three years to receive just an apology from one of the largest protestant organizations in the world. Sure, she did receive some compensation. But we are talking about a woman who was blackballed because she was brave enough to speak out against her abuser – who happened to be in ministry.
So, what do we do about it?
From personal experience, I have seen that the ultimate tactic used in churches is “grace.” But more times than not, grace is for the offender instead of the victim. Do I think that there shouldn’t be grace offered to everyone? Of course not! But I also think there should be consequences for unjust actions – and help for victims.
Here’s the thing, when it comes to being the victim of abuse, it can take everything in you to come forward. That is why things such as delayed disclosure are an issue. Studies show that fewer than 25% of child victims come forward immediately. Likewise, adult victims wait long periods before sharing what happened to them.
If the church doesn’t expose the darkness happening with these cases, who will?
Pride kills. (See Proverbs 16:18.)
We cannot let that be the reason these cases go unnoticed. Rather, we should follow protocols and help stomp this vicious crime out of the church and world. Below are a few examples of ways to be proactive and minister to victims of abuse.
- Security and boundaries.
It might seem excessive to some, but it shouldn’t be. We live in an age where everything is filmed. Why shouldn’t we have church security cameras? Or glass doors? Children should never be one-on-one with adults. Set clear policies with teachers and volunteers before they are allowed to work with children. Background checks are easy to complete. However, studies show that less than 10% of abusers ever face law enforcement.
- File a report.
In the event a victim comes forward with allegations of abuse, it is vital to file a police report. It is important to never belittle the accusation. Sure, we don’t want to believe that “he/she would ever do that.” But the fact is, the heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). And unless we are Jesus Himself, how would we really know a person’s intent and actions? It is important to have law enforcement involved so that they can work with victims and abusers. Don’t become prideful and worry about “what if it gets out.” Our job is to minister to the hurting, not worry about church attendance numbers.
- Help with healing.
When a victim admits something so severe, believe them. As I mentioned earlier, it is a very hard thing to do, and it may take months or years to confess. When they do – take it seriously and follow through with reports. It is even a good idea to have a list of counselors or trusted volunteers that will be willing to speak and minister to these individuals. They need the hope and truth found in the Word of God.
- Be the Church.
Show the love of Christ. Be there for them. Make victims feel seen as an image-bearer of Christ. Not someone who is dirty and worthless.
The body of Christ is an important place to be. We should be on the front line of this cause and fight till the bitter end for the hurting. Will we though? Or we will offer half-hearted apologies and revisit the issue in three years? I know what I plan to do.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:8-9).
