SBC Sexual Abuse Scandal
Since May of 2022, MERCYhouse leaders and members have been having conversations regarding the actions of prominent leaders and churches within the Southern Baptist Convention, and the Convention itself. The revelation and details within the released Guidepost Report of these scandals have been heart breaking, driving our community first to mourning for those affected, both directly or indirectly. These revelations have also prompted a desire from within our community to thoughtfully review and navigate our future relationship and affiliation with the Southern Baptism Convention.
We ask for your prayers as we navigate this moment in our church’s history. We ask for patience as we seek counsel and act prudently. If you would like to speak to someone regarding your experience in our church or an experience of sexual abuse, you can reach out to our pastors directly at elders@mercyhouse365.org. You can also reach the SBC Sexual Abuse Hotline for Survivors here.
Timeline & Updates
In a desire to keep our members and community up to date regarding the conversations we’ve been having we will keep this page updated when any new actions are taken. Summit Meeting Minutes are available upon request for active members of MERCYhouse (contact@mercyhouse365.org).
May 22, 2022
Initial report released by Guidepost. Details here.
May 24, 2022
Initial Response from MERCYhouse Pastors to Members. Read here.
June 8, 2022
Updates on Task Force and Formal Recommendations. Details here.
June 14-15, 2022
Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting. Details (including full video coverage) here.
June 28, 2022
Update from MERCYhouse Pastors regarding SBC Annual Meeting Voting Measures and Outcomes. Read here.
October 16, 2022
Church Summit Meeting and Conversation. Details here.
November 5, 2022
Follow-up Conversation (Part 1) designated for women in our community, as requested.
November 12, 2022
Follow-up Conversation (Part 2) designated for women in our community, as requested.
November 20, 2022
Church Summit Meeting, presentation of report from previous two conversations with women.
December 23, 2022
As directed by the Messengers of the SBC at the 2022 annual convention in Anaheim, the Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force Team has been formed and assigned the implementation of abuse reform measures. Please go to their website at https://www.abusereformtaskforce.net/ for communication and all future updates.
January 17, 2023
Email request for feedback from membership who have not shared their thoughts.
January 26, 2023
Email request for feedback from membership who have not shared their thoughts.
Febuary 19, 2023
Church Summit Meeting, elders shared their recommendation to remain the SBC for a two year probationary period. Motion was passed.
June 13-14, 2023
MERCYhouse Messengers attend the SBC Annual Meeting. Their updates can be found here.
June 25, 2023
Church Summit Meeting. Messengers shared their report and recommendations, which can be found here.