'My job is to represent Jesus Christ': 6 things to know about SBC President Ed Litton

By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Assistant Editor Thursday, June 17, 2021

4) Sexual abuse allegations in Southern Baptist churches

When it comes to the issue of sexual abuse within Southern Baptist churches, Litton said he hopes to “bring all of this out and expose it to the light.” He said the denomination needs to “work hard” to ensure all their churches are “safe places for people to be protected … and not victimized.”

He called the recent reports of abuse “eye-opening” and said he believes Southern Baptists are “concerned” about the issue.

“We … need to be very pastoral and how we handle victims, and how we hear them, how we empathize and sympathize with them.”

“I think we have to find a mechanism and a way to help train our people, get more churches involved in wanting to create a safe environment," he said, adding that Southern Baptists must be known as “Great Commission people who care about this subject, and have learned.”

“Learning and listening [are] very important,” he said.