Yesterday the Southern Baptist Convention in Anaheim, took a clear stand against sexual abuse and the harm it has caused. The Convention also acknowledged the failure of our response to the victims. The recommendations were adopted with great unity and a strong clear statement of resolution, and both acknowledge that reports of sexual abuse were not handled correctly, nor the abused, and that often times the victim seemed unheard or even forgotten.
To the survivors who have come forward, thank you, even in your pain, thank you for helping expose failure and areas that need to be clearly addressed. To the sexual abuse survivors who have bravely and silently sat listening to testimony, we pray for you as you have most likely had to relive your hurt, pain, and disappointment.
As we take better steps to prevent any of this from happening here, and only by God's grace, we recognize that sin is real and the devil is still at work in this world. We must be diligent to be above reproach in everything that relates to working with children, youth, and adult relationships as well. We must protect the vulnerable. Those that God has allowed us to teach and care for should have the utmost trust in us to protect them.
Staff relationships must be beyond reproach. We want to be on guard for anything that will not please the Lord. We should always pray for each other, the body of Christ.
Please pray for the Sexual Abuse Task Force here in Ohio as we prepare to share recommendations in November at the Cleveland meeting. The weight of this responsibility is heavy, yet I realize the weight is nothing compared to those who have been abused.
Thank you for loving God. loving people. serving people.
Bro. Greg
