A special study group formed during a special called executive session of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee in November presented its first report before the full committee Feb. 19.
Baptist Press reported Nov. 16 that the work study group was asked to review:
• Biblical justice and due process doctrine as it relates to our current legal system (including statutes of limitations).
• A broader, long-term legal strategy for the EC and SBC moving forward.
• The process by which the EC and the SBC approve significant legal decisions.
Abuse-related court case
According to Baptist Press, the decision to form the work group followed the disclosure of the filing of an amicus brief in an abuse-related case being argued in the Kentucky Supreme Court through a story in the Louisville Courier-Journal on Oct. 25.
Those signing on to the amicus brief were Lifeway Christian Resources, the SBC, the SBC Executive Committee of the SBC and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. EC trustees were unaware of the amicus brief prior to the news report.
On Feb. 15, the court dismissed the case, which would have extended the time to file claims against “non-perpetrator third parties.”
Committee working ‘expeditiously’
Legal Strategies Committee chair Josh Hetzler of Virginia shared during his EC report they have met five times and he assured EC members they are working “expeditiously” and understand the “urgency” of the matter.
“Once we have recommendations in place, we will bring those to you,” he pledged.
