Hello MERCYhouse Community,
By now you likely have heard about the horrific report released on Sunday regarding sexual abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), of which MERCYhouse is affiliated. An independent third-party investigation was launched after allegations of sexual abuse were brought to last year's SBC Annual Meeting. The result of this investigation was released in a 280+ page report which documents (in great detail) sexual abuse at the hands of many pastors and leaders affiliated with the SBC, as well as a lack of action taken by the SBC to hold the accused accountable or to protect those who were victims.
You will undoubtedly hear and read about it in the day/weeks to come. We want to provide useful resources which will help you understand what's happening, and to equip you for conversations.
First, the essay titled "The Reckoning of the Lord" written by Al Mohler, the President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, outlines the important revelations from the report. Mohler also provides direction for how denomination members ought to respond. "Southern Baptists must see this report as part of a reckoning that will reveal God’s wrath, but also His mercy, each in rightful proportion."
Second, Russell Moore's Podcast released a special episode today featuring Rachel Denhollander (the first woman to pursue criminal charges and speak publicly against USA Gymnastics’ team doctor Larry Nassar) as a response to the third-party investigation's released report. This 40 minute episode helps provide a deeper understanding behind the problem of sexual abuse in organizations, as well as beginning the conversation about what it looks like for the SBC to move forward.
Lastly, here is a link to the report itself. It is long, heartbreaking, and infuriating. It includes information and descriptions related to sexual assault which may be triggering to readers who have had similar experiences.
What is MERCYhouse doing?
Please pray for us as leaders as we prayerfully discern how to best lead our Church Family through this. We will need some time to digest this report-- we are devastated. We will grieve and mourn these startling revelations, and wait to hear how the SBC (at next month's annual meeting) will lead the denomination in response to this report.
Our priority is to ensure that our women and children are protected, and that MERCYhouse is a safe place where survivors who have suffered similar experiences can seek refuge and healing.
There is a long road ahead. If you have any questions at all, please let us know. If you or someone you know has had similar experiences, I want to encourage you to reach out to us as your pastors so we can hear you, grieve with you, and walk with you. I (Pastor Tommy) welcome direct calls and am available to meet in person: (978)-460-3544.
"This is a moment for sackcloth and ashes. That is where we have to start. The gospel of Christ makes clear that’s not where the story can end. But we are going to be wearing sackcloth for some time to come." -Al Mohler, President, SBTS
In the Incorruptible Love of Christ,
Pastor Tommy, Steve, Jake and Garrett
elders@mercyhouse365.org
This letter was originally emailed to members of our church on May 24, 2022.