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Report Uncovers 20 Years of Sexual Abuse in Southern Baptist Church

HeadlineFeb 13, 2019

A new, sweeping investigation by the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News reveals 20 years of sexual abuse allegations within the Southern Baptist Church, with over 700 victims, including many children—some as young as 3 years old. Three hundred eighty Southern Baptist leaders and volunteers have been accused of rape, abuse and various forms of sexual misconduct. Around 220 of those have been convicted of sex crimes or were given plea deals. The report also found that members of the church pressured some women to get abortions after becoming pregnant as a result of assault, or threatened to shun them from the church. The church is the largest Protestant denomination in the country. The report has prompted calls for investigations into the church and their role in covering up and enabling the abuse.

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