The Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee recently voted to expel four congregations for different reasons. One church, Immanuel Baptist Church in Paducah, Kentucky, was ousted for having a woman as its senior minister, which goes against the denomination's official statement of faith that restricts the office of pastor to men. The church defended its decision, citing Baptist principles of autonomy.
Grove Road Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina, was expelled for allegedly failing to cooperate in addressing a concern related to the mishandling of a sexual abuse allegation by its pastor. West Hendersonville Baptist Church in North Carolina faced expulsion for not complying with the denomination's beliefs on sexual abuse and having a pastor deemed 'biblically disqualified.'
The fourth church, New Hope Baptist in Gastonia, North Carolina, was ousted for financial non-participation and a lack of intent to resolve a question of faith and practice. These churches have the right to appeal the decision at the SBC's annual meeting in June.
In a separate development, plans for an independent Abuse Response Commission were discussed to track clergy predators within the denomination. The commission aims to create a database listing ministers found guilty of sexual abuse through criminal convictions and civil judgments. The initiative seeks funding from SBC agencies to become operational.
The SBC has been under scrutiny for its handling of sexual abuse cases since a 2019 report highlighted numerous instances within its churches. Efforts to reform include the creation of the Abuse Response Commission, but delays and controversies have hindered progress. Survivors and advocates remain skeptical of the denomination's commitment to meaningful change.
Recent controversies, including legal battles over abuse-related lawsuits, have prompted the SBC to review its stance on the justice system and legal decisions. The denomination faces ongoing challenges in addressing past failures and implementing effective reforms to protect its members.
