In the U.S., leaders of the largest Protestant congregation ignored or covered up nearly two decades of sexual abuse allegations against clergy while seeking to protect their own reputations.  

Atlanta, May 23 (RHC)-- In the U.S., leaders of the largest Protestant congregation ignored or covered up nearly two decades of sexual abuse allegations against clergy while seeking to protect their own reputations.  That’s the finding of an independent investigation into the Southern Baptist Convention made public on Sunday. 

The report found Southern Baptist leaders had a list of hundreds of ministers accused of abuse, but took no action.  It also found survivors and others who reported sexual assault or harassment were “ignored, disbelieved, or met with the constant refrain that the Southern Baptist Convention could take no action … even if it meant that convicted molesters continued in ministry with no notice or warning to their current church or congregation.”