SBC's Baptist Press responds to Rachel Denhollander's criticisms

Notice that the article does say how it happened; the article as produced by the original writer stated the matter clearly, but in the editing process, the key part was omitted. Hopefully BP is getting a handle on why that happened.

Jennifer Lyell: https://twitter.com/jenlyell/status/1184245062403792896

Rachael Denhollander: https://twitter.com/R_Denhollander/status/1184204594676752385

Christa Brown: https://twitter.com/ChristaBrown777/status/1184486054423719936

If you read the Twitter feeds, you’re likely to infer that what Lyell, Brown, and Denhollander noticed is that there were a number of people at various levels in the SBC/BP/etc.. who were involved in maintaining a firm “company line” of refusing to acknowledge the very real injuries suffered by these women.

This is why real progress in this area needs to go beyond “throw the bums out”, or an emphasis of getting the right, godly men in leadership. The problem as it’s unfolding seems to be along the joke about asking the Hindu mystic what’s under the turtle that’s holding up the Earth; “it’s turtles all the way down.”. You can’t just fire your way to a healthy organization, because if you do, you’ve got pretty much nobody left.

What’s left is the heavy task of “triage”, figuring out who was exceptionally guilty and needs to be shown the door because it’s obvious and egregious vs. who was merely decieved, and then persuading the rest to adopt a healthier view of these matters. It’s to change the corporate culture, which is one of the hardest things to do. Or, as it’s joked in quality circles, “corporate culture eats corporate initiatives for lunch.”

Have the police investigated the sexual assault of Lyell, over a period of nearly a decade as far as I understand it?

I know. I know. I’m not supposed to ask.

I believe Lyell. I do. But aren’t we supposed to investigate crimes rather than just accept the testimony without investigation? And, aren’t we telling churches and institutions to NOT INVESTIGATE on their own?

there were a number of people at various levels in the SBC/BP/etc.. who were involved in maintaining a firm “company line” of refusing to acknowledge the very real injuries suffered by these women.

What’s really becoming obvious is that the rot started at the top of the SBC - the Executive Committee - and flowed freely all the way down. That’s why the Executive Committee’s refusal to take JD Greear’s recommendations seriously was such a huge “tell” for anyone who was paying attention at the time.

[Mark_Smith]

Have the police investigated the sexual assault of Lyell, over a period of nearly a decade as far as I understand it?

I know. I know. I’m not supposed to ask.

I believe Lyell. I do. But aren’t we supposed to investigate crimes rather than just accept the testimony without investigation? And, aren’t we telling churches and institutions to NOT INVESTIGATE on their own?

Mark, as I read things, Lyell’s experience is Biblically and morally culpable, but not legally actionable.

Like many movements, the “Me Too” movement has some extremes. Some are saying an accuser should never be questioned, just believed. Rather, we should consider all sides, be fair to all sides.

He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. -Proverbs 18:13

The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him. -Proverbs 18:17

Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. -John 7:24

David R. Brumbelow

My point is all we have is her testimony. That is a rough one to be sure. It would be nice if people asked for corroboration before they condemn at the level it is happening here.

Actually, the abuser, Sills, resigned when confronted. Here’s some more from her pen. So the corroboration came from the abuser.

Resigning is corroboration that he sexually assaulted her and abused her for years? Care to take me thru that Bert?

I am trying to be objective.

Just like the SWBTS case, all we have is the testimony of the accuser. Nothing wrong with her side of the story. The problem is, that’s all we have.

NO READING THIS KNOWS what really happened. At least admit it.

Mark, the articles linked indicate that the individual (a) confessed to a sexual relationship with Ms. Lyell and (b) quickly resigned. Baptist Press, individuals within the SBC, and others familiar with the situation are speaking on behalf of Ms. Lyell. While the entire mess is not going to be shared with the world—which was also Ms. Lyell’s hope, if you read her notes—those who have seen a part of it are not of the opinion that it is uncorroborated. Learn to read between the lines, brother. It’s the literary principle called subtext.

he admits to a sexual relationship. That is far different from confessing to the long list of things Lyell has accused him of, including grooming, sexual assault over a decade, and psychological manipulation. See what I mean?

Mark, you’re telling half the story. The other half is that others around the situation have looked at the evidence and agree it’s abuse. And again, by not fighting that part, the perpetrator has basically conceded it. Plus, when a professor gets into a sexual relationship with a student….do I have to spell this out in big bold letters, Mark? This is not that complicated.