DOJ Closes Investigation into Southern Baptist Convention Abuse Allegations
After nearly two and a half years of federal scrutiny, the U.S. Department of Justice has officially closed its investigation into sexual-abuse allegations involving the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and its Executive Committee. The decision—confirmed by SBC attorneys on March 14, 2025—ends a probe that dominated headlines, cost the denomination more than $13 million in legal fees, and left survivors waiting for answers.
Quick Timeline
- May 2022: Guidepost Solutions report alleges systemic mishandling of abuse claims.
- October 2022: DOJ subpoenas SBC entities and affiliated seminaries.
- March 5 2025: Former seminary professor Matthew Queen pleads guilty to making a false statement—the investigation’s only federal conviction.
- March 14 2025: DOJ notifies SBC attorneys that the case is closed with no further charges.
Key Takeaways for Churches
Although the federal case has concluded, the SBC still faces significant pressure to implement robust safeguards:
- State-Level Liability: Most child-abuse prosecutions happen under state law. Congregations must comply with evolving state statutes, background-check mandates, and mandatory-reporting rules.
- Victims’ Civil Suits: More than two dozen lawsuits remain active. Insurance carriers are urging churches to adopt abuse-prevention training or risk premium hikes.
- Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force (ARITF): The task force is drafting a denomination-wide credentialing system to screen churches that receive Cooperative Program funds.
- Survivor Hotline: The SBC’s hotline—run by Guidepost—will continue through 2026, offering confidential reporting and care-navigation services.
How Survivors Are Reacting
Advocates stress that a closed federal case does not equal vindication. “The absence of additional indictments isn’t proof abuse didn’t occur,” said survivor-advocate Christa Brown in a blog post. Many survivors are calling for state attorneys general to pick up the mantle and for local congregations to adopt the “Caring Well” curriculum as a baseline minimum.
What Happens to the SBC Reform Agenda?
The SBC’s next annual meeting in June 2025 is expected to vote on:
- A “Ministry Check” database of credibly accused offenders.
- Mandatory third-party audits of churches receiving more than $100 k in Cooperative Program funds.
- Expanded survivor compensation grants through the Executive Committee.
Observers say passage will hinge on smaller congregations’ concerns about cost and autonomy.
Practical Steps for Local Leaders
Whether or not your church is Southern Baptist, abuse prevention is non-negotiable. Experts recommend:
- Adopting a zero-tolerance written policy and updating it annually.
- Running background checks—including fingerprinting—on every staff member and volunteer.
- Implementing “two-adult” classroom rules and installing hallway cameras.
- Scheduling annual abuse-prevention training and documenting attendance for liability purposes.
Bottom Line
The DOJ may have closed its file, but the spotlight on church safety is brighter than ever. Proactive transparency, survivor-centered care, and stringent safeguards remain the best defense—both morally and legally—for every congregation.
