The SBC Executive Committee (EC) voted to spend $1.6 million on the investigation into their own actions concerning sexual abuse in the denomination, but the 86-member panel was divided on a recommendation by the independent firm conducting the probe to waive attorney-client privilege. The recommendation failed in the EC board meeting on Sept. 21, but remained unresolved after the EC held a special-called meeting on Sept. 27, and granted a second seven-day extension for hammering out a contract. The investigation and waiving of privilege, were directed by a motion from messengers at the June 2021 SBC Annual Meeting.
Read coverage from multiple viewpoints:
Baptist Press: EC extends task force negotiations, remains hopeful for resolution
Southern Baptist leaders, groups respond to ongoing saga with Executive Committee
Baptist and Reflector: ERLC leaders accused of ‘blatant deception’
RNS: Southern Baptists, at impasse postpone vote on sex abuse probe for a week