Southern Baptist Convention Named Co-Defendant in Federal Class Action Over Pawleys Island Community Church Scandal

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has been named as a co-defendant in a federal class action lawsuit related to the Pawleys Island Community Church (PICC) scandal. Six civil lawsuits have been filed, alleging that PICC, its academy, and former leadership knowingly allowed Warren Perry, a registered sex offender, unrestricted access to young children under false assurances of campus safety. The first lawsuit, filed on July 17, was a class action, and a subsequent suit alleges Perry sexually abused a child in 2022.

The most recent lawsuit, filed on August 4, is the second class action suit and the first to name the SBC and its Executive Committee as defendants. It was filed by John and Jane Doe, parents of a minor child, on behalf of other affected parents and children. The lawsuit alleges negligence, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty by the defendants for placing, concealing, and protecting Perry in a position with daily access to young students. The case seeks formal class certification, restitution for tuition and fees, and statutory treble damages under state trade practices law.

Alongside the SBC and its Executive Committee, the defendants include PICC, its academy (PICA), former leaders Don Williams, Ginny Williams, Niki Howard, and John Doe Elders 1-10. The SBC, the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S., operates as a voluntary association of autonomous churches. While the SBC does not have direct authority over individual churches, it can disfellowship those that are “not in friendly cooperation.”

On July 20, the South Carolina Baptist Convention (SCBC), which oversees PICC, issued a statement condemning child sexual abuse as an “abomination.” The SCBC noted that PICC is a cooperating church within its convention and emphasized that while the convention has no control over its churches or leaders, it offers resources for sexual abuse education, prevention, and response. The SCBC stated it has been in contact with current church leadership and is working with PICC at their request.

The lawsuit highlights concerns about the SBC’s role in overseeing its affiliated churches, particularly in matters of child safety. As the SBC continues to face scrutiny, the case underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in religious institutions. Proverbs 18:17 reminds us that “the first to answer is the one who has understanding,” a principle that should guide the actions of all leaders, especially those entrusted with the care of children.

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