The denomination has a large spiritual and cultural footprint. Nationwide, Southern Baptist represents the biggest Protestant denomination with 14 million members.
There had been a cover-up of sexual abuse within its churches for decades.
And although the report is “damning and disturbing” it is an effort of the SBC to do things differently and to bring to light “past sins.”
Among the recommendations in the report to correct the situation:
- “Establish an independent commission responsible for implementing and overseeing reforms. The commission would be in place for a minimum of 10 years.
- Creation of a Resource Toolbox, which could include a variety of resources – protocols, training, and education – associated with the prevention and management of sexual abuse.
- Create and maintain an Offender Information System to alert the community to known offenders.”
