A bombshell report stated that leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) mishandled allegations of sexual abuse, intimidated victims and their advocates, and resisted attempts at reform over the course of two decades (2000-21), CNN reported.

"Survivors and others who reported abuse were ignored, disbelieved, or met with the constant refrain that the SBC could take no action," the report found, "even if it meant that convicted molesters continued in ministry with no notice or warning to their current church or congregation."

According to the report on the investigation conducted by Guidepost Solutions, survivors of abuse and other persons within the Southern Baptist community contacted the SBC Executive Committee to make it aware of child molestation and other forms of abuse committed by people employed by the church (including those at the pulpit), but were met with inaction.

Guidepost Solutions proposed recommendations to improve how the SBC responds to sexual abuse and misconduct allegations; they include creating and maintaining an "Offender Information System" database, and restricting the use of nondisclosure agreements and civil settlements that require confidentiality, among other things.

The SBC is the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, with an estimated 14 million members across more than 47,000 Baptist churches.

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