In fact, the SBC, even while lacking a formal hierarchy, had expelled churches that tolerated homosexuality or ordained female pastors. Yet when it came to sexual misconduct that victimized the most vulnerable, denominational authorities pleaded impotence in the face of evil. The SBC’s executive committee has endorsed changes to the convention’s constitution that would more explicitly allow for the expulsion of churches that displayed “indifference” to instances of sexual abuse. It contains 260-plus names of church officials and volunteers who have been convicted or credibly accused of abuse; nearly all are men. The Catholic Church, having minimized, dismissed and denied allegations of abuse until the evidence became overwhelming, offers a cautionary tale.

Source: Washington Post June 10, 2019 23:37 UTC