Federal lawsuit names Southern Baptist Convention and pastor in sexual abuse cover-up case

The senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, Steve Gaines, has been named in a federal lawsuit alleging that the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) concealed sexual abuse by its members and employees. The lawsuit, filed against the SBC’s Executive Committee, claims the organization used a strategy of denying survivors’ rights by covering up misconduct.

The legal action cites an investigation by the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express News from 2019, which revealed widespread sexual abuse within the SBC. The report identified at least 35 pastors, employees, and volunteers with predatory behavior who remained employed in churches over the past two decades. In some cases, church leaders reportedly failed to notify law enforcement or warn other congregations about misconduct allegations.

The lawsuit includes details of 200 criminal cases and 700 victims over a 20-year period, highlighting the scale of the alleged abuse. Court records show that the lawsuit specifically faults Bellevue Baptist Church and the SBC for not firing a sex offender in 2006. It also alleges that Gaines delayed removing a pastor who admitted to molesting children at Bellevue, waiting six months before taking action.

An internal investigation referenced in the lawsuit found that Bellevue was unprepared to address sexual abuse. The report suggests a systemic failure within the SBC to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The case underscores concerns about the organization’s handling of abuse allegations and its impact on survivors.

The lawsuit reflects broader scrutiny of the SBC’s leadership and policies regarding child safety and accountability. It raises questions about the organization’s response to past misconduct and its commitment to transparency and justice. The case continues to unfold as legal proceedings progress.

Source: Read the original report