The Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force has released its report with recommendations that it will officially present to messengers during the 2024 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Indianapolis (June 11–12).
Among the Task Force’s key objectives outlined in the report include the following: the expansion of the Ministry Toolkit, establishment of the Ministry Check website, and the creation of a permanent home for abuse prevention and response. During the annual meeting, the task force will recommend that messengers affirm the objectives outlined in the report and urge the SBC Executive Committee to finalize a proposed plan, structure to implement and support these objectives. The task force will then report back to messengers during the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting on actions taken.
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Big question
The task force met with state leaders in Dallas on April 9 to preview their report.
One of the biggest questions that remains unanswered, according to the task force, involves “finding a permanent home for abuse reform.”
In February, the ARITF announced plans to launch a “new independent nonprofit organization to help Southern Baptist churches and entities prevent and respond to sexual abuse.”
ARITF chair Josh Wester said the creation of an independent organization would have “more credibility with survivors, more flexibility to help our churches and more success in accomplishing the mandate given to us by the messengers.” But how the nonprofit will be funded remains a big question mark.
During the Dallas meeting, the task forced reportedly noted it was working to provide “definitive answers” to that question for this year’s annual meeting.
