Southern Baptist Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

The Southern Baptist church is a Christian denomination and is one of the largest Protestant denominations in the United States [1]. The Southern Baptist Convention has approximately 12.98 million members and 46,906 churches across the United States [2]. 

In 2019, news outlets exposed widespread sexual abuse committed in Southern Baptist churches, where convicted molesters continued to serve as Southern Baptist leaders even after victims reported abuse to their church officials. Alleged cover-ups and a failure to alert law enforcement put hundreds of children at risk of being sexually abused.

Sexual abuse survivors within the Southern Baptist Church deserve justice, and Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to helping them pursue it. Our team is dedicated to holding those responsible accountable and ensuring survivors receive the support and compensation they deserve.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for Your Case

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a leading law firm that has successfully recovered millions in damages for sexual abuse. Our experience, compassion, and resources make us a powerful force in civil litigation.

Experience in Religious Institution Abuse Litigation

We have successfully argued cases against major religious institutions, including the Catholic Church. Additionally, we are deeply familiar with the Southern Baptist Convention, including its doctrines, policies, and governance structure.

Along with our familiarity with Southern Baptist abuse, we also have extensive resources at our disposal. These resources include private investigators, therapists, clergy abuse experts, and other professionals familiar with Southern Baptists. 

Compassionate and Confidential Representation

We utilize a trauma-informed approach that remains sensitive and responsive to the unique needs of SBC abuse survivors. Throughout our work, we prioritize the needs of our clients, focusing on healing and empowerment. We will protect your privacy and ensure you have the resources you need to thrive while undergoing the stressful lawsuit process. 

Understanding the Crisis

Baptist doctrine emphasizes local church autonomy, religious liberty, and a strong adherence to Biblical teachings [3]. The Southern Baptist Convention was founded in 1845 by Southern Baptists who disagreed with the antislavery attitudes of Northern Baptists, though they have now become more ethnically diverse [4]. 

SBC churches are led by the SBC Executive Committee, a centralized organization that controls the affairs of all affiliated churches while allowing local churches freedom in accordance with Baptist beliefs. 

However, an independent investigation has found that SBC leaders have ignored or hidden child sexual abuse allegations for decades. 

Scope of the Problem

Sexual abuse survivors in the Southern Baptist Church began to come forward in 2019, though allegations of sexual misconduct outlined in the reports date back to 1998. 

The SBC’s Executive Committee had been well aware of sexual abuse cases in the church for years. In fact, a prominent anti-gay activist attested under oath that he was aware that Paul Pressler, a member of his law firm and Houston church leader, had been sexually abusing minors since 2004 and did nothing about it [5].

Between 2004 and 2005, Activist Christa Brown contacted 18 prominent SBC leaders to warn them about the former youth pastor of her church, who had exhibited predatory behavior toward her, who was then employed at First Baptist Church in Florida [6]. 

In 2006, Anne Marie Miller accused a seminary student of sexually assaulting her. An International Mission Board investigation found it was likely that she suffered abuse, but they did nothing and did not report the issue to the police [7].

In February 2019, the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News released a six-part series exploring the extent of the sex abuse in the Southern Baptist, including a database of 236 sexual predators spanning 20 years in 30 states [8]. The database included major church leaders, ministers, teachers, preachers, missionaries, and church members and volunteers. 

In the series, reporters detail how registered sex offenders systematically engaged in abuse, including pastors, and how the Southern Baptist Convention moved alleged abusers from church to church rather than firing them [9]. This report included then-SBC president Steve Gaines of the Bellevue Baptist Church, who refused to fire a sex offender for six months [10]. 

The SBC Executive Committee then formed a task force to investigate previous and current sexual abuse in the Baptist church. Guidepost Solutions then published a 288-page report that found systemic sexual abuse throughout the organization [11]. 

Specifically mentioned was the constant refrain that the Southern Baptist Convention could take no action due to the autonomy of their churches. The report also lists Michael Lee Jones, a prominent Southern Baptist leader who was a convicted sex offender when he founded a Houston church. 

Russell D. Moore, former head of the SBC’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, called the report the “Baptist Apocalypse” [12], especially as it triggered a wave of lawsuits against large churches nationwide.

After the release of the report, the Department of Justice announced that it would be investigating the Southern Baptist Church for its systemic refusal to address sexual assault and sexual misconduct [13]. The Executive Committee and North American Mission Board affirmed that they would comply with the investigation. 

Since the report was first released, several high-visibility cases against current church officials have been filed. One such case is a lawsuit filed with the U.S. District Court in Tennessee, which charges the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention, Fountain Valley Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Faith Baptist Church, and Airline Baptist Church. 

In the court records, one plaintiff alleged that she was abused by an assistant pastor at Holy Hill Baptist Church, though that church is not listed in the suit [14]. 

Impact on Survivors

Sexual abuse can lead to lifelong issues for survivors, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues. They may struggle to maintain gainful employment or form healthy relationships, putting them at risk for further abuse.

Additionally, those sexually abused by fellow church members, especially ones in a position of authority, can feel deeply betrayed, leading to a loss of faith and disillusionment with their religion.

Sex abuse also has major impacts on communities. Families, churches, and social networks may also face challenges in rectifying their previous image of a church member with the reality of sexual assault.

Legal Recourse for Sexual Abuse Survivors

Seeking justice through a civil case involves identifying who may be liable, determining what claims you are eligible for, and calculating damages. 

Types of Claims

Our team will assess what types of claims we can bring and against whom, such as:

• Sexual Assault and Battery – This is a civil lawsuit against the specific perpetrator.
• Negligence – We will strive to hold individual churches and the Southern Baptist Convention accountable for failing to protect their members.
• Fraudulent Concealment – If the church was aware of the sexual abuse and sought to hide evidence, then they can be held accountable for concealing instances of sex crimes.

Statutes of Limitations

The statute of limitations for a sexual abuse civil suit will vary by jurisdiction and may be anywhere from one year to five years. However, some states also have a delayed discovery rule, which provides exceptions for instances when the victim repressed the abuse and did not discover that they were assaulted until later. 

Potential Damages

You may receive financial compensation for economic damages, including medical expenses, therapy, and lost wages. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, loss of faith and community, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In rare instances, a judge may award punitive damages, which are meant to punish the abuser and prevent future sexual abuse or sexual misconduct. 

Liability in a Sexual Abuse Claim

We may hold various defendants accountable for their negligence, which can include:

• The perpetrator
• A complicit church staff member, such as a pastor or youth minister
• The individual church
• The Southern Baptist Convention

Consulting Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

You can schedule a free and confidential case review at any time. We strive to offer a safe, supportive space for survivors to explore their legal options and assess possible next steps.

No Obligation

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you are never obligated to use our services. We will deduct our legal fees from your settlement, and you owe us nothing upfront. 

Legal Evaluation

During your consultation, we’ll provide you with our honest assessment of whether you have a strong case and discuss the potential next steps we can explore.

Safe Space

Our team offers a safe space for survivors to share their stories without judgment or shame. We utilize a trauma-informed approach that centers on empowerment and support; your comfort is of utmost importance to us. 

Contact Southern Baptist Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Now!

To schedule your free and confidential consultation, call us 24/7 at (888) 424-5757 or contact us online. 

Resources: [1] Christianity.com, [2] Southern Baptist Convention, [3] The Gospel Coalition, [4] Encyclopedia Brittanica, [5] The Texas Tribune, [6] Baptist News, [7] Church Leaders, [8] Houston Chronicle, [9] Houston Chronicle, [10] United States District Court, Western District of Tennessee, [11] Guidepost Solutions, [12] Vox, [13] National Catholic Reporter, [14] United States District Court, Western District of Tennessee,