New website tracks accused Protestant clergy sexual abusers

ProtestantAccountability.org, a new website launched by clergy sexual abuse survivors and their supporters, aims to track accused perpetrators across 100 denominations, including the Southern Baptist Convention. The site currently lists more than 2,700 individuals accused of mishandling or committing sexual abuse while holding spiritual authority. Organizers emphasize that the database collects publicly available information, offering a centralized resource for those seeking to understand the scope of the issue.

Chellee Taylor, president of Protestant Accountability, shared her personal experience of being sexually abused by a Southern Baptist pastor and later receiving a settlement from Journey Church in Orlando. She described the site as a tool to protect potential victims and support those who have already been harmed. “This database has the potential to save others from the suffering I endured,” she said, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency within religious institutions.

The website joins other online databases such as StopBaptistPredators.org, BishopAccountability.org, and the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP). These platforms have long worked to raise awareness about clergy sexual abuse and provide resources for victims and law enforcement. David Clohessy, former executive director of SNAP, praised the initiative, stating that it will enhance safety for the vulnerable and demonstrate the widespread nature of the problem across denominations.

Terence McKiernan, president of BishopAccountability.org, noted that the new database will strengthen accountability within Protestant churches and provide further evidence of the pervasiveness of sexual abuse in religious settings. Law enforcement often uses Bishop Accountability in investigations, and McKiernan expects the Protestant site to serve a similar purpose, offering critical information for prosecutors and church leaders.

The initiative reflects a growing movement within Protestant communities to address sexual abuse and promote transparency. By aggregating information about accused individuals, the site aims to empower congregations, staff, and authorities to make informed decisions. As the database expands, it may also influence legislative and institutional responses to the issue, aligning with calls for justice and accountability. Proverbs 18:17 reminds us that justice is the foundation of a community, and this effort seeks to uphold that principle.

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