Just going to remind those who are asking or saying otherwise, that I personally went with Hannah Kate to report her abuse, and I've met with 2 out of the 3 siblings who ALSO corroborate the abuse of everyone and reported to the police. 4 siblings total.
I also talked to multiple pastor who corroborate extrinsic details, including the family repeatedly living out of a van, having no food, the kids receiving no schooling, Jimmy being completely resistant to constructive input, and additional details.
And remember that out of every 300 rapes reported to the police, only six will be charged. I can count on one hand the number of survivors I know who had positive experiences with detectives and prosecutors.
That these siblings are survivors of the abuse they have disclosed is not in question.
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Today, SBC messengers voted to conduct a convention-wide audit of abuse and mishandling, and also to investigate the actions of convention leaders related to sexual abuse. It's a critical step, but what what I want you to really see, is what it took to get here:
Well over a decade ago, @ChristaBrown777 began pioneering the movement to shine a light in the SBC. At great personal cost, she told the truth over, and over, and over. Leaders called her demonic, satanic, as bad as an abuser, but still she fought for the truth and survivors.
She wrote a book and began a website tracking SBC abusers and coverup. When other survivors like @ThigpenTiffany came forward, Christa was the safe place, and the one to guide survivors through the storm that was coming when they dared to speak up.
The idea that SBC theology and polity prevents following best standards practices related to sexual and domestic violence is absolute nonsense, always has been, and that's well known. How do I know? Because I've gone through the legal and polity questions repeatedly...(thread)
Way back when I was first asked to work on the Caring Well curriculum I began discussing with several leaders and staff what could be done under SBC polity and exactly how to do it, and why. Over the time I've walked with the SBC, I've urged for the following:
A denominational audit to simply get a better picture of precisely what is taking place. An entirely voluntary mechanism for collecting data which can be done without requiring any church to be investigated, but which can inform trends, patterns and practical needed steps.
WHY ENGAGE WITH A GROUP OR INSTITUTION THAT DOESN’T SET UP ALL THE RIGHT TERMS RIGHT AWAY?
It’s a fair question we’ll have to wrestle with a lot as leaders and institutions begin exploring this need. Here’s my perspective:
There are four categories we have to think about:
1 – Survivors of the abuse or abusive institutions. We need to do the absolute best we can to fight for justice and restitution on their behalf. This includes fighting for answers they deserve.
2 – Future victims. Culture, policy, awareness, etc all has to change in order to help keep the next generation safer. We need to push for best standards practice and the best education that reaches the heart, not just focusing on the right “rules”.
Guidepost is a highly skilled and qualified firm and I have confidence in their ability to do what the SBC needs.
HOWEVER, the ability to do what they are capable of will depend on the EC letting them do their job. Here's what you should ask for that isn't commissioned yet:
The EC has NOT included all paid, appointed or elected leaders or staff of the Convention in this commission. The scope should be broadened to include these official actors.
The EC has NOT committed to waiving privilege so that Guidepost has access to all data and information. This step is absolutely critical, but the EC alone can make this move, and any firm hired would be inhibited by a refusal to do so no matter how good the firm.
This cannot be characterized as anything less than dishonest. I am beyond disappointed that at every opportunity to stand for the truth, Ronnie Floyd has deflected and refused to be honest, causing so much damage to so many. This is not honest.
There was absolute refusal by Ronnie, most EC members and the credentialing committee, to address the issue of abuse, or even discuss best standards.
No one wanted these men to emerge as strong leaders more than the survivors who desperately needed their leadership.
I pleaded for months for Ronnie to speak with me to address the intentional defamation of Jen Lyell, with no legal action needed. Jen had already plead for months as well.
Ronnie would not even speak to me. We were literally told by staff that legal action was required.