List of Protestant Leaders Accused of Abuse Goes Online

ProtestantAccountability.org, a new nonprofit based in Orlando, Florida, has launched a website featuring an extensive database of Protestant leaders in the United States accused of abusing children or vulnerable adults. The site compiles publicly available information, including criminal indictments, lawsuits, and news reports, into a searchable archive. Each entry includes the name of an accused individual, their places of employment, job titles, and links to reports of allegations. Most pages also include a photo.

The list includes well-known pastors such as Robert Morris, Ted Haggard, and Johnny Hunt, as well as lesser-known names like Paul Havsgaard and Ben Armstrong. Some individuals named on the site were accused of abuse in the 1980s, while others faced allegations as recently as this month. The founders of ProtestantAccountability.org believe that making this information publicly accessible can help prevent future abuse.

Vice President Dominique Berringer of the nonprofit stated that the goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of suspected wrongdoing so individuals can make informed decisions about the safety of their communities. “If we can protect one individual from harm, it will all have been worth it,” Berringer said during a press conference.

Chellee Taylor, who leads the nonprofit, shared a personal story that highlights the importance of the database. Taylor sued the Southern Baptist multisite church in Daytona, Deltona, Deland, and Orange City in 2022, accusing senior leaders of mishandling her allegations of abuse. She said the senior pastor attempted to dissuade her from reporting the abuse to the police. The church settled with Taylor for an undisclosed sum.

Taylor later learned that church leaders had covered up older allegations. She believes that had she known this information, she would not have been as vulnerable. “This database has the potential to save others from the suffering that I endured,” Taylor said. “Not just at the hands of my pastor, but by the institution who chose to protect him over honoring God with accountability, transparency, and truth.”

The initiative reflects a growing call for accountability within religious institutions, emphasizing the need for transparency and justice. As the database continues to expand, it serves as a resource for those seeking to understand the past and prevent future harm.

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