On actions involving the SBC Executive Committee and Sexual Abuse Task Force
Editor’s note: IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams and IBSA President Heath Tibbetts released a statement from IBSA on October 1, 2021.
A number of pastors and other voices in the public square are expressing understandable concern over the lingering conversations and negotiations between SBC Executive Committee (SBCEC) trustees and the Task Force appointed by SBC President Ed Litton to investigate the handling of sexual abuse claims presented to the SBCEC over the past several years. While all parties have pledged commitment to a thorough and open investigation, the particular issue of concern is whether the SBCEC will waive attorney-client privilege during the investigation, as expressed in the motion approved by SBC messengers in Nashville this past June.
Our prayerful hope and urging is that both the Task Force created by the SBC President at the direction of the messengers and the Trustees of the SBC Executive Committee will expediently find a path forward that both honors the 2021 motion by SBC messengers and fulfills the unique responsibilities of the SBCEC trustees, who of course are also elected by SBC messengers over multiple years. A trustworthy process that prioritizes both advocacy for victims of abuse and prevention of future abuse is essential.
While IBSA as a state convention has not had opportunity to meet and express a formal, consensus opinion or take any actions on this specific matter, we encourage pastors and church members to express their informed views or concerns directly to the SBCEC trustees. As negotiations are still in progress, we also urge patience and grace as the Task Force and the SBCEC trustees seek solutions that best meet the needs of a thorough, open, and expedient investigation. We believe in good faith that this is the desire and intent of all parties engaged in this challenging process.
Nate Adams
Executive Director
Illinois Baptist State Association
Heath Tibbetts
President
Illinois Baptist State Association