Once roiled by sexual abuse issue, Southern Baptist leadership now downplays its extent

Southern Baptist leaders have shifted from acknowledging the severity of sexual abuse issues to now minimizing their impact within the convention. This change reflects a broader trend where the once-marginal view of sexual abuse as a crisis is now dismissed. The shift has sparked concern among critics who argue that it undermines efforts to address and prevent such abuses, potentially leading to further victim silence and inadequate institutional responses. This move highlights a troubling trend in how religious organizations handle abuse allegations.