Southern Baptist Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit [2025 Update]

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and affiliate churches are facing lawsuits saying they failed to prevent, report, and properly respond to child sexual abuse.

A series of lawsuits and investigations has uncovered widespread sexual abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), America’s largest Protestant denomination. These lawsuits describe institutional failures and cover-ups involving Southern Baptist churches. These institutions often protected abusers, allowing some offenders to serve in churches for decades.

This page will provide an overview of Southern Baptist Church sexual abuse lawsuits and steps survivors can take to receive justice and compensation. No amount of monetary compensation can correct the injustices allowed by churches. But, pursuing legal action helps hold these institutions accountable for their negligence against children.

Southern Baptist Church and Convention (SBC) Sexual Abuse Lawsuit News and Updates

May 19, 2025: Megachurch Settles Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit, The Second In A Year

Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston agreed to settle a lawsuit with three women who say the church allowed a sexual predator to abuse them when they were between the ages of 14 and 16. The perpetrator, former pastor Timothy Jeltema, pled guilty to two counts of online solicitation of a minor, one charge of indecency with a child, and one charge of sexual performance by a child in 2022. The lawsuit claimed former executive pastor, Stephen Trammel, destroyed evidence related to the case and attempted to intimidate the victims. The suit also claimed chief youth pastor Steven Morris took part in the cover-up.

March 31, 2025: Federal Court Dismisses All But One Defamation Claim Made By Former SBC President Named In Sexual Abuse Report

A federal judge dismissed multiple defamation claims filed by Johnny Hunt. Hunt is a former SBC president who was named in a 2022 report on the handling of sexual abuse cases within the convention. Hunt, who had claimed his reputation had been wrongfully tarnished by fallout from the report, had sued Guidepost Solutions, the SBC, and the SBC’s executive committee. One claim, against Texas Baptist pastor Bart Barber, involving a post Barber made on Twitter about Hunt, was not dismissed.

March 12, 2025: Federal Probe Of Southern Baptist Entities Closes With Only Person Charged

A Department of Justice probe of the executive committee of the SBC and other denominational leadership entities concludes. No federal sexual abuse charges were filed, but Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary professor and interim provost Matt Queen pled guilty to making false statements to investigators. Queen received a $2,000 fine and a one-year supervised release.

February 19, 2025: Denomination-Wide Database Of Sexual Abusers On Hold Indefinitely

A proposed project that would have created a denomination-wide database of sexual abusers within the Southern Baptist denomination was put on hold indefinitely. The database was among the reforms suggested in the aftermath of the Guidepost’s investigation. The SBC says it will instead focus on helping churches access existing databases.

December 29, 2023: SBC Settles Lawsuit Against Former Leader

The SBC agrees to settle a sexual abuse lawsuit involving former Southern Baptist leader and judge, Paul Pressler. The lawsuit was filed by Duane Rollins, a former member of Pressler’s church youth group. Rollins claimed that Pressler sexually abused him and seven other male victims when he was 14. The lawsuit also alleged that the SBC concealed Pressler’s behavior. Rollins’ claims helped spur the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio-Express News’s investigation into the SBC several years earlier.

May 27, 2022: SBC Releases Independent Report On Its Mishandling Of Previous Sex Abuse Allegations

The SBC releases the results of a seven-month investigation conducted by Guidepost Solutions. The report, entitled “The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee’s Response to Sexual Abuse Allegations and an Audit of the Procedures and Actions of the Credentials Committee,” reveals patterns of abuse, coercion, and negligence by pastors and church officials. Additionally, the investigation discovered that former Executive Committee vice president D. August Boto and spokesman Roger Oldham kept private lists of abusive ministers that were not widely shared with the committee or staff. The report could find no indication that the two individuals took any action to remove accused ministers from positions of power. The report contains more than 700 complaints of sexual abuse between the years of 2000 and 2019.

May 22, 2022: SBC Leader Resigns After Being Named In Independent Report

Pastor and SBC leader Johnny Hunt resigned from his position with the North American Mission Board (NAMB) after being named in an independent report conducted by Guidepost Solutions for a 2010 incident that occurred at Panama City Beach. Hunt denied the allegations, claiming all contact between himself and the accuser was consensual.

February 10, 2019: Houston Chronicle Publishes Shocking Report On Sexual Abuse In Southern Baptist Churches

The Houston Chronicle published the results of an investigation conducted with the San Antonio Express-News. The report found that at least 700 individuals were sexually victimized by more than 250 people who worked or volunteered for Southern Baptist churches over a 20 year period. Of the alleged perpetrators, including registered sex offenders, 35 were still able to find jobs at churches despite warnings of misconduct. Many of the victims were underage at the time of their abuse.

July 3, 2018: Former Baptist Leader Charged With Sexual Assault After 21 Years

Former South Carolina Baptist Convention employee Mark Aderholt is charged with sexually assaulting a child under age 17 in Texas. The accusation came 21 years after the alleged assault. The International Mission Board, under which Aderholt had previously served as a missionary, claims it investigated the accusations and found them credible, but did not report the 2007 incident to police, at the victim’s request. The victim claims she did not realize at the time that the incident had not been reported.

June 1, 2018: Seminary School Chairman Dismisses Employee, Calls Out Unethical Staff Behavior During Sexual Abuse Investigations

In a statement, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Chairman Kevin Ueckert announces the termination of an employee, Dr. Paige Patterson. The statement describes two incidents in which Patterson had allegedly mishandled or misrepresented sexual abuse complaints on campus, including a 2003 allegation that was never reported to police. A 2015 incident was reported to law enforcement, but Patterson allegedly discussed meeting with the student alone to “break her down” without any other officials present.

About the Southern Baptist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit:

What Is the Southern Baptist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit About?

Southern Baptist sexual abuse lawsuits are about a pattern of institutional failure on the part of a religious organization and its affiliates. Both internal and external investigations reveal that Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) leaders put churches’ reputations before the safety of its members and their children.

Investigations have revealed that SBC and affiliate churches engaged in behaviors that allowed children to be sexually assaulted. Reports and lawsuits say that the SBC:

• Failed to investigate suspected or reported sexual abuse of minors
• Failed to report credible abuse to police/authorities
• Coerced victims and their families into withdrawing allegations or not pressing charges
• Employed known sex offenders
• Relocated known sex offenders to other churches and missions
• Maintained private lists of abusive pastors and personnel
• Covered up child sexual assaults and was hostile to survivors

Church officials and the SBC’s Executive Committee often concealed sexual abuse on the part of pastors and employees. They often retaliated against whistleblowers and allowed predators to operate with little pushback. Lawsuits filed against the SBC and affiliated churches aim to:

• Force disclosure of records of sexual offenses and abuse
• Push for reforms and additional investigations
• Gain compensation and settlements for survivors who suffered because of actions or inactions

The SBC is a semi-decentralized organization, which allows for local church autonomy. This can make knowing who to sue more complicated. An experienced attorney knows how to hold the organizations that played a role in covering up abuse liable. Our team at King Law can help survivors and families take legal action.

How Did the Southern Baptist Church Cover Up Sexual Abuse Accusations?

On many occasions, Southern Baptist churches chose to handle child sexual abuse accusations internally, treating them as moral failings rather than legal matters. As has been observed in sex abuse scandals involving other institutions (like schools and Catholic dioceses), suspected abusers were often quietly reassigned or encouraged to quit. This allowed offenders to continue their abuse within other congregations.

These incidents were infrequently reported to law enforcement. Many complaints were kept quiet, even from other Southern Baptist leaders and congregations. Other complaints were logged in secret lists to which few had access. For example, two high-ranking SBC officials had kept a non-disclosed list with the names of more than 380 sexual offenders employed by SBC churches.

In some cases, victims were even intimidated and retaliated against. Additionally, the SBC has used the autonomous organizational structure of its churches to try to avoid liability.

What Is the Baptist Church’s Policy on Reporting Sexual Abuse?

Post-2019, the SBC has made reforms to its official policies. These changes were made after decades of sex abuse allegations were made public in the Houston Chronicle/San Antonio Express-News and Guidepost Solutions investigations.

Churches remain autonomous, and the SBC cannot demand they follow guidelines. However, the SBC has published best-practices guides that include:

• Immediately reporting incidents to law enforcement rather than handling the matter internally
• Mandatory background checks
• Staying up-to-date on state reporting standards
• Creating a safe environment for survivors within the context of the church, e.g., survivor ministries
• Starting from the presumption that accusations are credible, particularly when children are involved

A proposed denomination-wide database, however, has been put on hold indefinitely.

Prior to 2019, as noted in the Guidepost report, autonomy was often used as a legal defensive strategy to stonewall cases and claim that the SBC lacked the ability or authority to deal with the matter.

What Are the Allegations Against Southern Baptist Churches?

Lawsuits against the Southern Baptist Convention allege that institutions within the denomination helped create and sustain an environment that allowed sexual abusers to operate with impunity. These actions put vulnerable members of the congregation, such as children, at risk. Legal allegations against the Southern Baptist Church include the following:

• Institutional concealment
• Negligent hiring practices (hiring without background checks)
• Defamation and retaliation against survivors
• Breach of fiduciary or moral duties

Institutional Concealment

The independent Guidepost report revealed that high-ranking members of the SBC kept private lists of sexual abuse complaints. These complaints were generally not reported to law enforcement or even disseminated throughout the organization and its affiliates. Individual church leaders also frequently put the preservation of their institutions’ reputation ahead of the safety of their congregation’s youngest and most vulnerable members.

Negligent Hiring Practices

Southern Baptist organizations are also being taken to task for failing to screen individuals who are hired to positions of power, particularly when those positions involve supervising children. Recent reforms have stressed the need to keep a public list of sex offenders within the denomination, although momentum on this issue appears to have stalled.

Defamation and Retaliation Against Survivors

In some cases, Southern Baptist organizations are being accused covering up sexual abuse and actively retaliating against survivors who speak up. This may include character assassination, threats, or intimidation. This can be especially harmful in closed, religious communities as the victim may feel as though they have little recourse.

The Guidepost report noted that the response of the church to victims’ accusations “tends to silence in one of three ways – creates questioning by the victim of the benefit or effectiveness of future disclosure; self-blaming, and uncertainty in the survivor’s mind as to whether the survivor was really raped.” (Entry on page 136)

Breach Of Fiduciary Or Moral Duties

By prioritizing the reputation of its institutions or leaders over the well-being of its members, Southern Baptist organizations have frequently been derelict in their duties. This includes negligence throughout the organization. The SBC, a national entity, was aware of issues within its affiliate network, but claimed it could not act due to the autonomous nature of its component churches.

What Did Investigations Reveal About the SBC’s Failures?

The current wave of lawsuits has followed recent investigations. These investigations revealed widespread sexual abuse within the denomination, as well as patterns of institutional negligence. Prominent investigations and their results include:

• The 2019 Houston Chronicle/San Antonio Express-News six-part “Abuse of Faith” series
• The 2022 Guidepost Solutions Report
• A Department of Justice (DOJ) probe

The 2019 Houston Chronicle/San Antonio Express-News Six-part “Abuse of Faith” Series

The Abuse of Faith investigative series identified over 700 victims and over 300 alleged perpetrators within the Southern Baptist Church. Many of the cases went unreported or were covered up. In some cases, convicted sex offenders were even rehired upon release.

The 2022 Guidepost Solutions Report

This independent report was commissioned by the SBC itself in response to calls for reform. Despite previous claims by the SBC that such a thing was impossible, the report uncovered an extensive secret roster of over 700 accused individuals. Most of these individuals were not removed from their positions, including those who had been credibly accused.

Internal Reform Projects

In the wake of the two major investigations, the SBC has responded to calls for reform. The results so far have been mixed. The autonomous nature of the church is still often invoked to limit the culpability of the SBC. But, the organization has released a best practices guide for churches on sexual abuse.

In some cases, the SBC has disciplined members who were involved in cover-ups. An independently run hotline for victims has been established, but a widely called-for open database to track complaints and accusations is on hold.

Department Of Justice Probe

Following the Guidepost report, the DOJ began a federal probe into the SBC executive committee as well as other denominational entities. The probe closed in 2025 with only members of the church charged for obstructing justice. No sexual assault charges were filed.

Southern Baptist Convention List of Abusers By State

Several lists exist of confirmed and suspected sexual abusers within SBC-affiliated organizations across multiple states. Some of these individuals have faced criminal charges and/or civil lawsuits, while others are deceased. Still others have faced accusations for incidents that are now beyond the statute of limitations in their state. The following names are taken from the Southern Baptist Conference’s list of credibly accused abusers Southern Baptist Conference’s list of credibly accused abusers .

List of SBC Abusers By State

Here is a list of credibly accused abusers employed by or volunteering with the SBC and its affiliates:

Who Were the Victims of Sexual Abuse in the Southern Baptist Church?

Victims of sexual abuse in the Southern Baptist church were generally members of the congregation. These include boys and girls in youth ministries, camps, and SBC-affiliated day and boarding schools. Adult congregants, particularly vulnerable individuals such as those receiving counseling, have also been subject to sexual abuse.

Abusers were frequently in positions of power within the church. Perpetrators could have been pastors, in supporting roles, teachers, or counselors. These individuals were frequently able to evade accountability by:

• Employing spiritual manipulation
• Exploiting their religious authority
• Grooming victims
• Shaming or intimidating victims

Southern Baptist Sexual Abuse Report and Statistics

The 2019 Houston Chronicle/San Antonio Express-News report found that, between 1998 and 2019:

• There were at least 700 victims of sexual abuse within the church
• The victims were as young as age 3.
• 380 church members credibly accused of sexual abuse. Of these:
  • 220 offenders involved in legal processes
  • A little under 100 were in prison
  • Over 100 were registered sex offenders
• 35 alleged abusers were able to find employment in the church after suspicious behavior was reported

The 2022 Guidepost report uncovered a secret internal list containing 703 SBC-affiliated names, many of whom were credibly accused of sexual misconduct.

A 2024 Lifeway Research report found:

• Only 58% of SBC-affiliated congregations were using background checks.
• Only 36% of SBC-affiliated congregations were trained in reporting sexual abuse.
• Only 16% of SBC-affiliated congregations were trained in caring for survivors.

Statistics regarding the sexual abuse hotline established in 2022 found that, of the 1,008 contacts made (as of March 2025):

• 674 (~67%) were reports of alleged abuse.
• More than half of the contacts came in the first four months.
• After the first four months, the hotline had an average of 13 contacts per month.
• The referral process has led the SBC to declare seven affiliated churches to “not be in friendly cooperation with the SBC.”

Who Qualifies to File a Southern Baptist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

Eligibility to file a civil lawsuit against the SBC or an affiliate church varies by state. There are special legal considerations given to child sexual assault victims. In many states, childhood CSA survivors can file civil lawsuits for many years into adulthood.

If you were abused by a member of your church, you may be able to file a lawsuit, whether or not you reported the abuse at the time of the incident(s). It is important to note that you can pursue a civil lawsuit even if criminal charges have not been filed. Contact our firm to discuss your eligibility.

Our lead attorney, Robert King, has years of experience prosecuting CSA cases within the Special Victims’ Unit. We know what it takes to file a successful case. We also understand the compassion necessary to support your case. We can protect your privacy and file under initials in many jurisdictions.

What Compensation May Be Available in an SBC Lawsuit or Settlement?

Survivors of sexual abuse suffered within an SBC-affiliated church may be able to receive compensation for the harms they’ve suffered. The types of damages considered may include:

• Economic damages. This includes literal costs accrued as a result of the abuse, including like medical treatment, psychiatric care, lost wages, or lost earning ability. It may also include the cost of relocating, money spent on safety, or miscellaneous bills related to the case.
• Non-economic damages. This category includes pain, suffering, distress, and effects on relationships.
• Punitive damages. When statutes and circumstances allow, a civil case may determine that an institution engaged in misconduct or negligence. In these cases, the victim(s) may be awarded compensation as a form of institutional punishment.

How to File a Southern Baptist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Filing a sexual abuse lawsuit is a multi-step process. Due to the complexity of state laws regarding sexual abuse, these steps are best undertaken with an experienced lawyer. The partners at King Law can help guide you through the process confidentially and in a manner that respects the traumatic nature of the case.

1. Seek a confidential consultation with an attorney with experience in church-related sexual abuse.
2. Evaluate your case with your attorney to establish a timeline, witnesses, and your history with the church.
3. Build out your evidence by requesting and gathering documents, database information on prior complaints, background checks, your medical and therapy records.
4. File your case, identifying proper individual, institutional, or insurance defendants within your state’s statute of limitations.
5. Discovery and pre-trial procedures, including depositions, mediations, and negotiations. If an agreement can be reached, the legal proceedings will end here.
6. If a settlement agreement cannot be reached, your case will go to trial where a judge or jury will determine what compensation, if any, to award.
7. Receive compensation if awarded or agreed to. Coordinate therapy and privacy protections as needed.

What Does it Cost to File a Lawsuit Against the SBC or an Affiliate?

It does not cost you anything up front to file a CSA lawsuit with King Law. Our firm and partner firms work on a contingency-fee basis. That means you only owe us money if we secure you compensation. We only take cases that we are confident we can win and deliver justice for. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation and get to know our team.

What Evidence Do I Need to File a Southern Baptist Church CSA Lawsuit?

In order to file a lawsuit, you will need to provide evidence of your losses and evidence supporting your church attendance and abuse: Evidence that may be requested includes:

• Proof you attended a certain church during certain time periods
• Any written or printed records you have from that time
• Statements from family or friends
• Statements from your medical doctors or therapists
• Any public records related to your alleged abuser

Is There a Deadline to File a Southern Baptist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

Civil sexual abuse lawsuits need to be filed within a window of time called the statute of limitations (SOLs). Each state sets its own statute of limitations for sexual misconduct cases. Most states’ statutes begin when a CSA survivor reaches the age of 18. Some states may allow 2 years to file, while others may not limit when civil lawsuits can be filed by CSA survivors.

Even within the same state, statutes of limitations may vary based on the age at which the victim suffered the abuse and the severity of that abuse.

These SOLs have recently been under review in many states, some of which have expanded their deadlines or are considering offering “lookback windows,” which would grant individuals whose SOLs have expired a limited opportunity to file a lawsuit.

Due to the complexity of these laws and ongoing reform efforts, it is highly advisable to consult with an attorney as soon as you are able in order to avoid missing any critical deadlines.

Estimated Southern Baptist Sexual Abuse Settlements and Payout Amounts

Sexual abuse settlements and awards vary widely depending on the circumstances of each case. For Southern Baptist sexual abuse lawsuits, King Law estimates a payout of around $100,000 to $2 million per survivor. Factors that may affect the size of the award include:

• State laws
• Severity of the abuse
• Impact on the survivor’s life
• Strength of available evidence
• Institutional responsibility
• Whether the lawsuit ends in a settlement or a court verdict
• Whether the case involves a bankruptcy trust or insurer for settlement

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique.

King Law Is Actively Investigating Southern Baptist Abuse Cases

King Law is currently reviewing sexual abuse claims involving SBC-affiliated churches, ministries, mission boards, and schools nationwide. Reform efforts in many states are making it easier for survivors to seek justice, even decades after the incidents occurred.

Why Hire King Law For Your Southern Baptist Sex Abuse Lawsuit

The attorneys at King Law offer survivors of sexual abuse:

• Decades of experience with institutional abuse cases, including religious institutions
• Prosecution experience with CSA cases through work with the district attorney’s special victims’ unit
• A trauma-informed intake process
• Investigative services, including the ability to trace prior complaints, personnel transfers, and insurance coverage
• Counsel tailored to your jurisdiction’s laws and statutes

Contact a Southern Baptist Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

State reforms and growing awareness of how institutions enable sexual abuse are providing longer windows for survivors to file lawsuits. Nevertheless, it is important to act quickly to file within your state’s statute of limitations or revival window. Contact King Law at (585) 496-2648 for a free, confidential consultation. We can evaluate your case, explain deadlines, and outline your next steps should you choose to pursue your claim. If you are not sure if you are ready, you can talk with our team to better understand your options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)