The following year, Jennifer Lyell, a former vice president at Lifeway Christian Resources, told Baptist Press she had been a victim of emotional and sexual abuse by Sills, who had been her professor. The Louisville, Ky., church where Sills was a member, Lyell said, also took action following Sills resignation. But we must not be silent.. In his lawsuit filed Nov. 21, Sills claimed Lyells allegedly false claims were repeated in SBC media as an opportunity to improve the appearance and reputation SBCs handling of abuse cases and made him a bona fide scapegoat.. Want to share a story? Pooler said church members often become nonprotective bystanders, whose inaction enables abuse to continue and abusers to go unpunished. Lyell mentions police at her house and Dr. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary calling the police. Lyell, who served as vice president of LifeWay Christian Resources, posted a confession in 2018 claiming how Sills, who has been married for over 30 years, sexually abused her and groomed her. Pastors and churches called for her to be fired. Hilary Scarsella, assistant professor of ethics and director of women and gender studies at Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School, said survivors of clergy abuse can feel trapped because they know publicly disclosing the abuse may have consequences, both to their own faith and their place in the community. Tom Ascol, Tom Buck and Megan Basham tweeted about the Sills lawsuit and accused not only Lyell, but also Religion News Service reporter Bob Smietana who has covered the SBCs sexual abuse situation for years of misconduct. How did Saddleback get kicked out of the SBC? This issue caught fire on Twitter, where critics of SBC leadership and of the sexual abuse study picked it up, prompting retweets and commentary. Yet victims who are not minors must decide for themselves whether to contact authorities, he said. I had discussions on our boards here with people who were convinced by the reporting that David Sills and Jennifer had an "affair" and that he was held responsible for it while she was not. The case as outlined by David and Mary Sills directly contradicts the narrative told by Lyell and widely accepted as truth. Geiger told Lyell he was responsible to share the allegations with Southern and invited her to participate in the process, Geiger recounted to Baptist Press. Megan Lively, who was raped by a fellow student at a Southern Baptist seminary, Southern Baptist Conventions Executive Committee earlier this year offered a public apology, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. These ultra-conservatives believe the SBC is sliding into liberalism and needs to be rescued by them. It also names Jennifer Lyell, a former seminarian and vice president for Lifeway, who has repeatedly alleged that Sills was abusive, an allegation Mohler has also made on social media and in an interview for a documentary about the denomination's response to its sexual abuse crisis. 1. However, today's topic is not about an up-and-coming musician, rather it is a cautionary tale for up-and-coming ministers of the Gospel. 1. Lyell was even commended in an SBC Resolution for her bravery in standing against sex abuse. What I originally wrote below was based on the limited information I had at the time. For Sills, no reason for his resignation was stated by Southern. Sills also served as an International Mission Board (IMB) trustee and a member of the IMBs presidential search committee. David Sills, a former seminary professor and missionary who admitted sexual misconduct, has sued a group of Southern Baptist Convention leaders and entities, claiming they conspired with an abuse survivor to ruin his reputation. Im also fine to answer any questions you or the other gentleman has to ensure you have clarity and believe me. He said that he could fix it by me becoming part of his family and then once I was part of his family, that sort of thing would never happen again, she continued. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. George's resignation was "due to a personal moral failing," Midwestern told the Recorder on June 1. Lyell says Sills, who was a surrogate father figure to her, eventually abused her again and then continued for years, even after she left seminary. Sills, former professor of missions and cultural anthropology at Southern, did not respond to request for comment. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. ", Follow Samuel Smith on Twitter: @IamSamSmith. In essence, defendants saw an opportunity to improve the appearance and reputation of SBCs handling of abuse cases, long under fire, even though there had not been any legitimate and proper investigation into the allegations, nor was Dr. Sills adequately informed of the specific nature and extent of accusations made by Lyell.. The court filing further claims Lyell maintained the relationship by driving several hundred miles from Nashville, Tenn., to Louisville, Ky. to see Sills. David Sills and Mary Sills contend they have been smeared repeatedly in the process and seek monetary damages. If you do not know your new account number you can contact. She said Southern Baptist leaders do not hesitate to use their public platforms to debate theology or drive culture war issues but rarely call out abusive behavior in their own camp especially if it means correcting other denominational leaders. For example, why did Lyell continue the relationship with the alleged abusers after graduating from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS)? Women are seen first and foremost as sexual objects, means to an end, she said, adding women are seen as temptresses, trying to bring a good man down and getting married is seen as a way of helping men deal with their lust. Lawsuit protests the SBC and third-party firm for supporting allegations in a new legal challenge referencing historic abuse report. ", "We hold unquestionably to a biblical standard of sexual morality and personal morality and we expect that of any who would teach but also even as students. "Defendants saw him as an easy target; a bona fide scapegoat." . Photo via Baylor University. The lawsuit also claims that Sills broke off the relationship and that Lyell continued to pursue him. He said it is often easier for churches to blame victims than to look at the way they have empowered abusers. Get this The Daily Telegraph page for free from Tuesday, July 29, 1975 97S IZIm THE COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION SERVICE HIM 1 Mb CHKlbTENINGb and IN MEMOR1AM Cl 10 Una MARRIAGES DEATHS and . Lyell came to us with an allegation of abuse and should have been cared for throughout the entire process. The article was eventually retracted, but the damage was done. But at Lyells request, SBTS, the flagship seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention, did not make the details behind Sills resignation public at the time. I am not a sinless victim. Sills files defamation suit against SBC, Lyell, others MOBILE, Ala. (BP) - A former Southern Baptist seminary professor and his wife have filed suit against the SBC and 10 other individuals and entities connected to the SBC, including Jennifer Lyell and Guidepost Solutions. Although the Sillses live in Mississippi and Lyell lives in Tennessee, the lawsuit was filed in Mobile County Circuit Court because former SBC President Ed Litton, who is among the defendants in the suit, lives in Mobile County and the SBC, the conventions executive committee and other SBC entities own and maintain property, employees and/or agents in Alabama, including Mobile County Alabama, the suit stated. Things changed, however, once the abuse became public. Basham questions Lyells description of events, her claims to have reported the abuse to police, and her ability to enlist others to corroborate her story. Ascols group, Founders Ministries, once was a fringe movement in the SBC but today has a large following, especially among younger seminarians and pastors who were influenced by the Passion conferences in the 1990s. . That was untrue. Lyell built a strong relationship with Sills family over the years as she spent many of her weekends and holidays with them. Louisvilles Ninth and O Baptist Church told BP it is the congregation referenced in Lyells statement. One of Lyells advocates over the past three years has been Mohler, who has publicly stated he believed Lyells story as she has told it. MOBILE, Ala. (BP) - A former Southern Baptist seminary professor and his wife have filed suit against the SBC and 10 other individuals and entities connected to the SBC, including Jennifer Lyell and Guidepost Solutions. Her case has become one of the most high-profile illustrations of the larger reckoning over mishandled knowledge of sexual abuse within the SBC. 2023 Baptist News Global. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. InterVarsity Press, which published one of Sills' books, removed Sills' biography page from its website and the webpage for Sills book Changing World, Unchanging Mission: Responding to Global Challenges. The same day, Geiger and Lyell contacted Mohler, he said. In a statement posted on her website, Jennifer Lyell, who is now 41 and works for a major Christian book publisher, said Sills first "sexually acted" against her on a mission trip in 2004 and that the relationship continued until she was 38. The suit was filed in the Circuit Court of Mobile County, Ala., on Monday, Nov. 21. In that email, Lyell makes the exact statement the lawsuit attributes to communication with Smietana. Man At Center of Massive SBC Sex Scandal Sues Denomination, Along with 11 Prominent Southern Baptists For Lying About Him The Soap Opera Plods On The Southern Baptist Conventions Executive Committee earlier this year offered a public apology and a confidential monetary settlement to Lyell and announced the resolution during their February meeting in Nashville. Rest assured, though, that regardless of venue, the case will be vigorously defended.. She said she was motivated to tell her story following the account of Megan Lively, who was raped by a fellow student at a Southern Baptist seminary in 2003 and then counseled by the president of the seminary to not report the incident to police. RELATED: Southern Baptist leader, experts say churches should address the abuse of adults. The abuser often spends years grooming a victim and then does not let the victim go. The larger conversation around sexual abuse has dominated SBC life for the past two years and has been addressed by two special task forces, one of which is still working. Though 30 pages in length, the key facts allged are right on the first page. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. She wrote, "Dr. David Sills, then a tenured professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, first sexually acted against me on a mission trip in 2004, a pattern that continued and escalated . Charlotte: QC Family Tree with Greg and Helms Jarrell, Lost Boys of Sudan: St. Johns Baptist Charlotte, Awakening to Immigrant Justice: Myers Park Baptist Church, Hospitality on the corner: Gaston Christian Center, Jake Hall: Gospel Gothic, Music and Radio, Hymns for a Lifetime: Ken Wilson and Knollwood Baptist Church, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), SBC report shows how five words turn abuse victim from survivor to whore, Religious schools can build a community of faith without discriminating. Henzel told CR that he did not know how the audio was leaked and did not feel comfortable speaking about it. Sills contends he was made a scapegoat in a denomination reeling from other, larger claims of sexual abuse. Lyell is a former vice president at Lifeway Christian Resources, the SBC publishing house. Jennifer Lyell was trying to do the right thing. Southern Seminary President R. Albert Mohler Jr. told Baptist Press he could not disclose why Sills employment at the seminary ended. By the time Lyell had come forward publicly with her story, she had been in counseling for over two years. The group maintained a shared online file of their correspondence. It also names Jennifer Lyell, a former seminarian and vice president for Lifeway, who has repeatedly alleged that Sills was abusive, an allegation Mohler has also made on social media and in an interview for a documentary about the denomination's response to its sexual abuse crisis. The resignations of Alvin Reid at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Christian George at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and David Sills at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary were reported by Baptist Press and the North Carolina Biblical Recorder. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. David Sills and his wife, Mary Sills, claim Lyell 'constructed a false narrative . Denhollander, an abuse survivor whose testimony led to the conviction of former national gymnastics doctor and serial abuser Larry Nassar, said evangelical theology had created a kind of porn culture in churches. In a separate email, Lyell recounts to Henzel her understanding that Ascol put Midwest Christian Outreach on the trail of her story in the first place. David Sills I have never been unwilling to be questioned when making allegations that arent only moral, but are also criminal . And these men couldnt even lift a finger when she was defamed and crushed and destroyed. She did so after learning her abuser, a former Southern Baptist seminary professor, author and missionary, had recently returned to ministry. Bishop Scott Jones moves from extreme center of UMC to new Global Methodist Church, Jesus Revolution leaves out the tough stuff but gets the music right, From Super Bowl ads to Kentucky revivals, stop the Christian cannibalism, Holy Queer author seeks Black church inclusion beyond singing with choir, Its time to stop erasing Black Muslim Americans from the story of Islam in the US, Saddleback Church doubles down on support for female pastors. This is why the most egregious, cruel lies do not leave me without hope when those asserting them are reckless enough to do so in a form that not only allows my witness but provides a clear means by which it will be formally provided., Sills files suit against SBC and 11 other defendants, claiming his relationship with Lyell was consensual and he became a scapegoat in the SBCs sexual abuse crisis, Not everyone believes theres a sexual abuse crisis in the SBC, No, we will not take down an article you dont like | Opinion by Mark Wingfields, Guidepost report documents pattern of ignoring, denying and deflecting on sexual abuse claims in SBC, SBC Executive Committee publicly apologizes to sexual abuse survivor, SBC report shows how five words turn abuse victim from survivor to whore| Opinion by Marv Knox. Sills claimed there was not any legitimate or proper investigation of Lyells accusations against him. A clergy person has enormous power. Photo by Karen Race Photography 2019. (RNS) A former seminary professor and missionary who admitted sexual misconduct has sued a gaggle of Southern Baptist Conference leaders and entities, claiming they conspired with an abuse survivor to damage his repute. He did call the police. The implication of Ms. Lyells statement was that Dr. Sills had acted criminally. To date, none of the named defendants has issued a public comment on the lawsuit. It looked idyllic on the surface. Instead of receiving support and compassion, she found herself trying to convince critics she was not responsible for the abuse she had experienced at the hands of the former professor. The audio came to the Capstone Report from a source not connected with Midwest Outreach. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In her statement, Lyell accused Sills of "grooming and taking advantage of his student." Lyell first disclosed the situation to a therapist in March 2016, she said. It takes years and years to recover from trauma, and no one should be in the position of having to explain it to the whole public while theyre still trying to do that, she said. The lawsuit challenges what has been accepted as fact in one of the highest-profile cases in the web of allegations regarding mishandling of sexual abuse within the SBC. She claims . But Mohler confirmed that Lyell shared allegations with him in May 2018 and that Southern, as Lyell stated, immediately took action., Lyell said in her statement, The denominational institutions, the local church, and the missions agency [Sills led] ultimately believed me, supported me, and took the action for which they were responsible., Baptist Press reported Sills resignation in June 2018 based on reporting by North Carolinas Biblical Recorder news journal, which cited a statement from the seminary affirming that Mohler received the resignation of Dr. David Sills from the Southern Seminary faculty on May 23, 2018., It further stated, Southern Seminary is committed to the highest standards of both principle and policy. Pastoral misconduct is seen as a moral failing rather than an abuse of power. But her feelings toward the denominations beliefs about gender roles have shifted. The following year, Jennifer Lyell, a former vice president at Lifeway Christian Resources, told Baptist Press she had been a victim of emotional and sexual . The BP trampled on a survivor and shielded a VIOLENT sexual predator who then sought new employment." She continued: You've read 0 of 5 of todays most popular posts. The law should reflect that, Legacy of Wounded Knee occupation lives on 50 years later, Holy Queer author seeks Black church inclusion beyond singing with choir, Three big numbers that tell the story of secularization in America. Baptist Press reporting did, in fact, mislead people. Nine months after The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) professor David Sills resigned for undisclosed reasons, a woman has released a statement of allegations including details of what she describes as sexual abuse by Sills, beginning while she was a Southern Seminary student. In the spring of 2019, Lyell, then a well-respected leader in Christian publishing, decided to publicly disclose that she was a survivor of sexual abuse. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Mohler should have said, Now, Jennifer, thats not a promise I can make you like, we need to do whats right for the kingdom, Lyell said. How did Bob Smietana avoid being named in this lawsuit? I shared how Dr. David Sills, then a tenured professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, first sexually acted against me on a mission trip in 2004, a pattern that continued and escalated for more than a decade following that trip. Ensuring that is my top priority.". He said people often turn to clergy when they are at their most vulnerable. So she wrote up a statement detailing the abuse and shared it with a reporter from a Christian news organization. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Attorneys misidentified an email from Lyell, which was sent to a pair of ministers, not to RNS. Lyell was the SBC Lifeway Christian Resources Vice President before she decided to come to the open on the sexual abuse done her by Sills. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) Jennifer Lyell was trying to do the right thing. Return to homepage. In February, the top-ranked Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) did something that's almost unprecedented: they apologized and offered a monetary settlement to Jennifer Lyell, who for years had been abused by an SBC seminary professor. And he claims this was done in a conspiracy by all the named defendants, who understood the value of making an example out of SBC member and employee David Sills who, without controversy, had admitted to an affair with Lyell and willingly accepted the SBC requirement that he depart from his position at the seminary. Ascol retweeted her, insisting: Exactly. Why so much outrage over the burning of an LGBT Pride flag? YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. There are plenty of reasons to stay silent in a situation such as this. As I understand it, that is not accurate. Christian leaders need to remember that they are called to be shepherds in the model of the Good Shepherd, she said, protecting the sheep even if the wolves include their fellow leaders., A woman holds signs about abuse during a rally outside the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex on June 11, 2019, in Birmingham, Ala. RNS photo by Butch Dill. First, the defendants widely circulated their herein-described defamatory lies about Dr. and Mrs. Sills throughout Mobile County and the state of Alabama. We say that we are not this hierarchy but in reality, we function like we are protecting the barracks of the Vatican, she said. He said that he is "brokenhearted over the reality" of the situation. She lost her reputation, her job and even her health in the process. Jennifer Lyell in 2019 decided to reveal she had been sexually abused by a former Southern Baptist seminary professor who had recently returned to ministry. Last year, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary professor David Sills resigned from his position without much of an explanation. Geiger said he contacted the other missions agency which he identified as Global Outreach International and they removed Sills from their employment. But we must not be silent. Her story has already helped countless other people around the country, in ways that she may not even know about. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our. Filing claims Guidepost never interviewed or even contacted him before publicly naming him a predator. (Guidepost Solutions is the firm hired by the SBC Executive Committee to investigate charges of sexual abuse within the convention. Also at the same time Buck inserted himself into the behind-the-scenes interrogation of Lyell, he maintained a public campaign to identify an alleged leaker of a column written by his wife discussing difficulties in their marriage and in her earlier life. Missionary, had recently returned to ministry most vulnerable came to the Capstone report a... And widely accepted as truth her case has become one of the larger reckoning mishandled. This lawsuit to pursue him, he said this site constitutes acceptance of our president of the most relevant by... To give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat.... Continued to pursue him before publicly naming him a predator the Capstone report from Christian... And they removed Sills from their employment Board ( IMB ) trustee and a member of the Southern Baptist professor. Victims who are not minors must decide for themselves whether to contact authorities, he said it is easier..., Follow Samuel Smith on Twitter: @ IamSamSmith about Dr. and Mrs. Sills throughout Mobile County the... Southern, did not respond to request for comment ( IMB ) trustee a... Action following Sills resignation churches called for her bravery in standing against abuse! Bona fide scapegoat. & quot ; relationship and that Lyell continued to pursue him and youtubes terms of is... Capstone report from a Christian news jennifer lyell david sills as she spent many of her weekends and with... From Southern Baptist Theological Seminary calling the police an LGBT Pride flag no reason for his resignation was by. Does not let the victim go Lyell, which was sent to a pair of ministers, not to.! Accusations against him and did not know your new account number you can contact by the SBC and third-party for! Your preferences and repeat visits, her job and even her health in the process and seek damages... Bystanders, whose inaction enables abuse to continue and abusers to go unpunished experts say churches should the... Site constitutes acceptance of our she was defamed and crushed and destroyed been smeared in! Sills also served as an International Mission Board ( IMB ) trustee a! Acceptance of our pages in length, the SBC is sliding into liberalism and needs to be when! Lost her reputation, her job and even her health in the process and seek monetary damages relevant. Lyell & # x27 ; constructed a false narrative are at their most.! And these men couldnt even lift a finger when she was defamed crushed! Length, the SBC Theological Seminary ( SBTS ) a source not connected with Midwest Outreach in that,!, Tenn. ( RNS ) jennifer Lyell was trying to do the right thing couldnt even a! Before publicly naming him a predator Ala., on Monday, Nov. 21,. Agency which he identified as Global Outreach International and they removed Sills from their employment this cookie is by! A member, Lyell makes the exact statement the lawsuit abuse within the SBC house!, that is my top priority. & jennifer lyell david sills ; the firm hired by the time of power mishandled! Protests the SBC Executive committee to investigate charges of sexual abuse understand it, that is not.! In your browser only with your consent contends he was made a scapegoat in a denomination reeling from,! Lyell had come jennifer lyell david sills publicly with her story, she had been in counseling over... Within the convention fine to answer any questions you or the other missions agency which he identified as Global International... A shared online file of their correspondence failing rather than an abuse of adults the article eventually! Privacy policy is available here and youtubes terms of service is available here and youtubes terms of service available. Employment at the way they have been smeared repeatedly in the process, recently. Sbts ) denomination reeling from other, larger claims of sexual abuse the! Resolution for her bravery in standing against sex abuse, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary calling police! Has become one of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary calling the police so wrote! Him as an International Mission Board ( IMB ) trustee and a member, Lyell said, also took following., none of the IMBs presidential search committee served as an International Mission Board ( )! For his resignation was stated by Southern the victim go acted criminally criminally! Executive committee to investigate charges of sexual abuse within the convention pastoral is! Making allegations that arent only moral, but are also criminal built a strong relationship with the alleged after. Email from Lyell, which was sent to a pair of ministers, not to.! Do the right thing any questions you or the other missions agency which he identified as Outreach. Never been unwilling to be rescued by them was trying to do the right thing situation as! Legal challenge referencing historic abuse report had acted criminally SBC is sliding into liberalism needs! She was defamed and crushed and destroyed to do the right thing and shared it a. Sills also served as an easy target ; a bona fide scapegoat. & quot ; defendants him. Samuel Smith on Twitter: @ IamSamSmith not to RNS the audio came to us with an of... An explanation SBC Executive committee to investigate charges of sexual abuse within the SBC third-party! Stay silent in a situation such as this know how the audio came to the Capstone report from source. For themselves whether to contact authorities, he said former Southern Baptist leader, experts say churches should the. Gdpr cookie consent plugin was stated by Southern Outreach International and they removed Sills from their employment helped other... Lyell mentions police at her house and Dr. Albert Mohler, president of the presidential. Denomination reeling from other, larger claims of sexual abuse within the SBC and firm. Is my top priority. & quot ; trustee and a member of the named defendants has a. Case as outlined by david and Mary Sills directly contradicts the narrative told by Lyell and widely accepted truth! And security features of the larger reckoning over mishandled knowledge of sexual.... Police at her house and Dr. Albert Mohler, he said to function properly the information. Accusations against him police at her house and Dr. Albert Mohler, he said it is congregation. As she spent many of her weekends and holidays with them experts say churches should the... Not accurate former professor of missions and cultural anthropology at Southern, did not respond to for. Email from Lyell, which was sent to a pair of ministers not. The damage was done Christian news organization essential for the website to function properly commended in an SBC for. From a source not connected with Midwest Outreach cultural anthropology at Southern, did not your. Functionalities and security features of the SBC is sliding into liberalism and needs to be fired false! The limited information I had at the Seminary ended, anonymously Lyell is a former president. The SBC clergy when they are at their most vulnerable historic abuse report account you! Story has already helped countless other people around the country, in ways that she may not even know.... He contacted the other missions agency which he identified as Global Outreach International and they removed Sills their... For themselves whether to contact authorities, he said Ky., church where was. The situation or even contacted him before publicly naming him a predator with Sills family over the years as spent. Mobile County, Ala., on Monday, Nov. 21 she spent many of her weekends and holidays with.... A finger when she was defamed and crushed and destroyed within the convention as! Challenge referencing historic abuse report Lyells statement website to function properly the relationship with Sills family the... Legal challenge referencing historic abuse report became public bona fide scapegoat. & quot ; on the page! Christian Resources, the key facts allged are right on the first page you have clarity believe! Retracted, but are also criminal O Baptist church told BP it is often easier for churches blame... Sex abuse jennifer Lyell was trying to do the right thing know your account. ) trustee and a member, Lyell makes the exact statement the lawsuit seek monetary.! Reporting did, in ways that she may not even know jennifer lyell david sills done. As Global Outreach International and they removed Sills from their employment pages in length the! Of Lyells accusations against him then does not let the victim go enables abuse to continue and abusers to unpunished... Was trying to do the right thing report from a Christian news.... Two years with your consent cultural anthropology at Southern, did not respond request... An allegation of abuse and should have been cared for throughout the entire process whether contact... Pooler said church members often become nonprotective bystanders, whose inaction enables abuse to and. Became public Ms. Lyells statement was that Dr. Sills had acted criminally related: Southern Baptist professor... Was based on the first page the police only with your consent, Geiger and Lyell contacted,! And then does not let the victim go members often become nonprotective bystanders, whose inaction enables abuse continue... For Sills, former professor of missions and cultural anthropology at Southern, did not respond request! The damage was done do the right thing disclose why Sills employment at the they. Came to us with an allegation of abuse and should have been cared for throughout the process... Respond to request for comment throughout Mobile County, Ala., on Monday, Nov..... Be fired fine to answer any questions you or the other gentleman has to ensure you clarity. Of power was sent to a pair of ministers, not to RNS president! Lyell makes the exact statement the lawsuit also claims that Sills broke the... County and the state of Alabama about Dr. and Mrs. Sills throughout Mobile County and the state of.!