EDITOR’S NOTE: See more SBC Executive Committee meeting headlines below.
Jeff Dalrymple sees himself as a “catalyst” in mobilizing Southern Baptists who are working to address sexual abuse and protect their churches. Dalrymple told reporters Tuesday (Feb. 18) he remains thankful for the opportunities he’s been given during his career that have helped position him to lead the SBC Executive Committee’s Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response department.
Dalrymple and Jeff Iorg, president/CEO of the SBC Executive Committee, both fielded questions related to sexual abuse prevention following the SBC Executive Committee meeting in Nashville, Feb. 17–18.
“What drives me — [which] is one of the reasons why I’m here — I believe every person is made in God’s image and is worthy of protection, dignity and respect, and those are consistent values that all Southern Baptists share,” said Dalrymple, who had served as executive director of the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention (ECAP). “I long for a day when kids can come to church and hear the gospel and learn about Jesus free from any sort sexual abuse. That’s my heart … and that’s our mission… That’s my calling.”
While Iorg reported to the EC Monday evening that sexual abuse in the SBC might not be as widespread as some people have been led to believe, it continues to be a problem worth fighting.
“Any sexual abuse in any Southern Baptist context is evil and has to be stopped,” Iorg said. “So the fact that it’s not being reported as often as some people may have assumed, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have to be addressed, so I’m committed to what we’re doing to address the issue.”
2 churches no longer in friendly cooperation
During the meeting, the Executive Committee approved a recommendation from the Credentials Committee to deem Centro Cristiano Jesus es el Camino Church, Merced, California, no longer in friendly cooperation with the Convention — a decision made “on the basis that the church is acting in a manner that is inconsistent with the Convention’s beliefs regarding sexual abuse.”
Meanwhile, the EC also approved a recommendation that Rabbit Creek Church, Anchorage, Alaska, be deemed no longer in friendly cooperation with the Convention “on the basis that the church has a faith and practice which does not closely identify with the Convention’s adopted statement of faith as demonstrated by the egalitarian beliefs publicly expressed by its leadership.”
Check out full press conference.
For other related coverage, see headlines below:
Iorg presents plans to address sexual abuse, financial challenges; EC approves recommendations – The Baptist Paper
Pressley shares lessons learned so far as SBC president – The Baptist Paper
WRAP-UP: SBC Executive Committee proposes plan for budget woes -Baptist Press
In his mission and calling, Dalrymple aims to mobilize the SBC in abuse prevention -Baptist Press
SBC Executive Committee can’t cover expenses, seeks extra $3 million -Baptist News Global
Abuse database is no longer a priority for Southern Baptist leaders -Religion News Service
NOTE: The links above are a sampling of headlines related to story and are not an endorsement of all viewpoints or reporting.
