ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) – Send Relief, the compassion ministry arm of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), committed three million dollars ahead of the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting in mid-June toward the cost of implementing the Sexual Abuse Task Force recommendations subsequently approved by messengers at this year’s meeting.
In addition, Send Relief provided funding of one million dollars for a sexual abuse survivor care fund to which Southern Baptists can contribute as well through SendRelief.org. The fund will provide survivors of sexual abuse within the SBC the opportunity to receive professional trauma counseling.
The funds will also help provide trauma-informed trainings for SBC pastors, churches, associations, and state conventions to help equip leaders to better prevent sexual abuse in SBC churches and minister to survivors of abuse.
The one-time gifts come from funds that are not designated for any specific fund or ministry project, the Send Relief statement said. Neither were the Send Relief funds given out of Cooperative Program donations or gifts to either of the mission board’s missions offerings: the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at IMB or the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering at NAMB.
Send Relief is a cooperative effort between the SBC International Mission Board (IMB) in Richmond, Va., and North American Mission Board (NAMB) in Alpharetta, Ga., that provides Gospel-focused compassion ministry.
IMB president Paul Chitwood, NAMB president Kevin Ezell, and Send Relief president Bryant Wright announced that Send Relief would provide online opportunities for other SBC entities and individuals to give to the fund, which is now available through the Send Relief website.
“Our prayer — like those of all Southern Baptists — is for unity, healing, and courage as we advance the hope of the Gospel amidst a broken world,” said Chitwood, Ezell, and Wright in their joint statement.
Information about the availability of resources will be made available soon. Sexual abuse victims or anyone who suspects sexual abuse in a SBC church can contact (202) 864-5578 or SBChotline@guidepostsolutions.com. All communications are confidential.