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TechnoratiThe issue of clergy sex abuse was brought up at SBC's annual meeting last month when thousands of representatives from SBC churches around the country, called “messengers,” unanimously passed a resolution expressing moral outrage and concern and urging the utilization of resources to protect children.
De La Torre doesn't believe a resolution is enough.
"SBC leadership in general and Dr. Page in particular need to clearly state that zero tolerance exists for child abuse," he commented. "Furthermore, zero tolerance is measured by what is done, not what is said. Resolutions are meaningless words unless specific actions are being taken."
Action has already begun in some Southern Baptist regional bodies. The Louisiana Baptist Convention recently posted a link on its website directing visitors to Child Guard Systems – a Texas-based company that offers a comprehensive child protection program for churches. And the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) posted last month a list of registered sex offenders who were on staff at its affiliated churches and announced that it will also create a list of offenders who are currently serving in its churches.
“The BGCT is concerned about the problem of clergy sexual misconduct, and we care deeply about its victims,” said Emily Prevost, associate coordinator of leader research and product development in BGCT Congregational Leadership Team.
In the letter to Page, church leaders have asked the Southern Baptist head to consider meeting with the SNAP leadership to come up with "effective remedies" that will provide help and healing for clergy sex abuse victims.
The following are clergy who signed the letter:
Fr. Gary R. Hayes
Pastor, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church
Owensboro, KYand Survivor of clergy sexual abuse by two Roman Catholic priests
Rev. Dr. Michael Granzen
Moderator of Elizabeth Presbytery,
Pastor, Second Presbyterian Church
Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre
Associate Professor of Social Ethics &
Director of the Justice and Peace Institute
Iliff School of Theology
Rev. Karl Harman, PhD (Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary)
Pastor of Dallas Center United Methodist Church
Rev. Mark J. Powell
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Christian Theological Seminary
Rev. Aaron Turner
Minister of Worship
New Beginnings Baptist Church (SBC-affiliated)
Rev. John Harrison
Ordained Southern Baptist minister, retired
Rev. Gene Scarborough
Ordained Southern Baptist minister, retired
Sister Maureen Paul Turlish
Victims' Advocate
William H. Edwards
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