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Photo: New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary’s chapel; via Wikipedia.
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) continues to face scrutiny over its handling of sexual abuse allegations, but recent developments show that the denomination has been largely successful in defending itself in court. Over the past three years, lawsuits have been filed both by survivors of alleged abuse and by leaders accused of misconduct, yet many of these cases have ended in dismissals or favorable rulings for the SBC.
At its Executive Committee meeting in Nashville Sept. 22-23, denominational leaders reviewed updates on these high-profile cases. According to Baptist Press, the SBC has spent more than $13 million on legal costs since 2021, depleting much of its reserves. The Executive Committee has asked messengers to approve an additional $3 million allocation to continue funding defense costs related to sexual abuse claims.
One of the most closely watched cases has been the lawsuit filed by former SBC president Johnny Hunt. Hunt sued the denomination for defamation after he was named in the 2022 Guidepost report on sexual abuse within the SBC. Earlier this year, a court dismissed nearly all of his claims against the SBC, its Executive Committee, and Guidepost, leaving only a single count still active. In response, the SBC Executive Committee recently decided not to pursue a countersuit against Hunt, choosing instead to move forward without escalating the case further.
Other lawsuits have come from leaders who claim they were wrongfully accused, including a case tied to former Southern Seminary professor David Sills. That case drew renewed attention earlier this year following the death of whistleblower Jennifer Lyell, who had been a central figure in bringing forward allegations against Sills. Her deposition, made public before her passing, described years of alleged abuse, fueling debate over whether SBC leaders have truly committed to transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, survivor advocates point out that the SBC’s much-publicized “Vision 2025” plan, which once included a goal to eradicate sexual abuse in SBC churches, has largely stalled. Reports indicate that little progress has been made on implementing meaningful reforms, despite years of resolutions and promises from denominational leaders.
The combination of favorable legal rulings and stalled reforms has alarmed many survivors who fear that the denomination is turning inward and prioritizing institutional protection over accountability. With lawsuits dismissed and resources drained by legal defense, advocates argue that survivors of abuse within the SBC continue to face barriers to justice.
Is It Worth It For SBC Sexual Abuse Survivors To File A Legal Claim?
The SBC’s legal defenses show how difficult it can be for survivors to achieve accountability. But seeking legal help is still one of the strongest tools available to protect your rights and make your voice heard.
By exploring your options with a compassionate, experienced attorney, you can decide whether legal action is right for you, on your own terms, and with support. If you are a survivor and want to understand what steps may be available, learn your rights with our Southern Baptist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide.
