Overview

• The U.S. Department of Justice informed the Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee that their investigation, which began 18 months ago, has concluded with no further action.
• The investigation was initiated following a 2022 report that revealed mishandling of sex abuse claims and mistreatment of victims within the denomination.
• Despite the closure of the federal investigation, the Southern Baptist Convention acknowledges the need for ongoing sexual abuse reform efforts.
• The Executive Committee has faced financial strain due to the investigation, leading to staff layoffs and increased legal expenses.
• Advocates for abuse survivors stress that the end of the investigation does not diminish the denomination's moral responsibility for past harms.