A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit naming the Southern Baptist Convention and its Executive Committee over allegations involving a South Carolina church and school, according to an update released Monday (Oct. 19) by Baptist Press. Judge Richard M. Gergel reportedly agreed with SBC’s legal team that the court lacked jurisdiction in the case. The lawsuit was filed Aug. 4 by parents of a Pawleys Island Christian Academy student. The parents allege defendants allowed convicted sex offender Warren Spencer Perry ongoing access to children. Perry, former pastor Donald Williams, his wife and other church and school officials were reportedly arrested in connection with the case.
Update on Sills case
Meanwhile, a settlement conference in former Southern Baptist Theological Seminary professor David Sills’ lawsuit against the SBC and other defendants is slated for Nov. 13 in Nashville. Magistrate Judge Lynda M. Hill, according to the report, will preside. The conference follows a Sept. 29 ruling dismissing several claims while allowing others against the SBC, Guidepost Solutions, the Executive Committee and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler to proceed. Sills alleges defamation over his inclusion in a Guidepost report on the SBC’s handling of sexual abuse claims.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story is a summary of a report released by Baptist Press.
