Statement on Southern Baptist Convention Sex Abuse Report

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Statement on Southern Baptist Convention Sex Abuse Report

Press Release

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May 24, 2022
6:30 pm
Press Release

I am deeply saddened and concerned to hear the news about the recent report concluding that leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention have been covering up sex abuse claims for years within their own community. It is well past time that these leaders be held to account for their failure to advocate for the safety of their community members, particularly children—the most vulnerable among us. My heart goes out to the survivors, who not only deserve safety but justice, as well.

The abuse that has been revealed within the Southern Baptist Convention is underpinned by the systemic failures of our government leaders to provide actionable policies for sexual assault and harassment survivors. As both a U.S. Senator and former director of the Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center, Senator James Lankford is in a unique position to take action on an issue such as this, yet he has remained silent. Given his involvement within the leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention, it is critical that Senator Lankford’s constituents know what his knowledge of the alleged crimes detailed in this report was and how he is going to address these problems.

While I am appalled to hear this news, I am unfortunately not surprised. The report details a culture of secrecy and corruption in which Senator Lankford is deeply entrenched. The situations described in the report involve power and control over those who are vulnerable, including women—a dynamic which Senator Lankford tries to implement through legislation on a near daily basis. Oklahomans deserve better, and I look forward to working to provide resources and opportunities for justice for sexual assault and harassment survivors in the U.S. Senate.

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