Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary announced in a letter to students on Wednesday (May 25) immediate efforts to remove Johnny Hunt’s name “from any association with programs, facilities, and other items” connected with the seminary.
The news comes only a few days following the release of a report, which was part of an independent investigation by Guidepost Solutions, that included allegations of sexual abuse against Hunt. Hunt resigned from his executive vice president role at the North American Mission Board a couple days before the report was released on May 22. Hunt, also former Southern Baptist Convention president and pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church Woodstock, Georgia, has since denied “the circumstances and characterizations set forth in the Guidepost report.” He added, “I have never abused anybody.”
Danny Akin, president of Southeastern, also noted his intentions to present a recommendation to seminary trustees in the fall to have Patterson Hall, which is named after former SEBTS president Paige Patterson, renamed. In the Guidepost report, Patterson was accused of mishandling reports of sexual abuse during his tenure as SBC president and as president at SEBTS and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Akin noted, “I am appreciative for the role that Dr. Patterson played in changing the theological direction and mission of Southeastern. However, the report released by the Sexual Abuse Task Force led me to the conclusion that I had already been weighing for some time. I do not believe it is proper to leave the Patterson name associated with the building.
“I have counted both of those men as friends and mentors in ministry. But most of all I want to honor King Jesus, promote holiness in all aspects of one’s walk, and care for hurting brothers and sisters in Christ.”
See full statement:
Dear Students,
On Monday I let you know that the Southeastern Cabinet and I were discussing the use of Johnny Hunt’s name in association with various parts of the life of the seminary. After these discussions, I made the decision to remove Dr. Hunt’s name from any association with programs, facilities, and other items. Therefore, our staff started and continues to work on that process.
In addition, I have informed our Board of Trustees for my intention to present a recommendation to them at their October Board meeting to have Patterson Hall renamed. I am appreciative for the role that Dr. Patterson played in changing the theological direction and mission of Southeastern. However, the report released by the Sexual Abuse Task Force led me to the conclusion that I had already been weighing for some time. I do not believe it is proper to leave the Patterson name associated with the building.
I have counted both of those men as friends and mentors in ministry. But most of all I want to honor King Jesus, promote holiness in all aspects of one’s walk, and care for hurting brothers and sisters in Christ.
As a reminder, if you know about any abuse taking place or are a victim of abuse, please contact law enforcement. We continue to make available the reportabuse@sebts.edu email address that is monitored by our Student Life team. Also, until the Southern Baptist Convention has established a more permanent reporting mechanism, you can report abuse to Guidepost Solutions at SBChotline@guidepostsolutions.com or 202-864-5578.
While everyday of our life should be one where we are seeking to put to death sin in our lives, let me encourage you during this very sober moment in the life of our convention to lay aside any sin, especially sexual sin, and run the race of faith with a goal to honor King Jesus.
In Christ’s Service.
Daniel L. Akin
President
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
