The Southern Baptist Convention just voted on an admission and action statement regarding sexual misconduct and abuse in its churches. Even if they “asked for forgiveness” (which may be premature) the actual report warns against too-quick forgiving that tolerates ongoing sin and injustice.
These are important first steps for Baptists, ones that all churches must take. But much more work remains to be done to build safe churches, insure confidential reporting, hold abusive clergy and church workers accountable, and bring healing and empowerment to victims. Restorative justice work may be important here for everyone involved. Read the Report