BHHS announces plenary speakers for May conference on addressing abuse in Baptist communities
February 28, 2025
TUCKER, Ga. — The Baptist History and Heritage Society is excited to announce the plenary speakers for its upcoming joint annual conference May 19-21 held in collaboration with the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion and the Association of Ministry Guidance Professionals at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
Plenary sessions will address critical issues related to abuse in Baptist churches and denominations. Speakers will focus on the systemic dynamics of abuse, the failures of institutional accountability and the urgent need for prevention and justice.
David Pittman, a survivor of child sexual abuse and founder of Together We Heal, will share his story of suffering abuse in a Southern Baptist church in Georgia, spotlighting how a culture of silence impacts not only survivors but also their families, congregations and communities, often hindering progress toward accountability and healing.
Rev. Dr. Meredith Stone, Executive Director of Baptist Women in Ministry,and Rev. Dr. Jay Kieve, Abuse Prevention and Response Advocate for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship,will lead a session exploring the dynamics of abuse and harassment and sharing approaches to prevention of abuse/harassment and cultivation of safe behaviors.
A panel conversation titled “Breaking the Silence: Addressing Abuse in Baptist Communities” will bring together legal, theological, social work and survivor perspectives to examine the challenges of addressing abuse and creating safer, more just Baptist communities.
Panelists include attorney and author Robert G. Callahan II, domestic violence survivor and researcher Rev. Geneece Goertzen, doctoral research fellow Lucy Huh and Southern Baptist abuse survivor and advocate Chellee Taylor. They will discuss how Baptists can confront abuse with both courage and conviction in this session moderated by Dr. Jon Singletary, Dean of the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University.
The closing plenary session will feature a presentation on adult clergy sexual abuse and its impact on survivors from Dr. David Pooler, Professor of Social Work at Baylor University and Director of the Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse: Advocacy and Research Collaborative.
The Baptist History & Heritage Society will also host 27 paper presentations across nine breakout sessions exploring a wide range of Baptist history and identity topics.
Register today, book your hotel and find full program details at https://www.thebhhs.org/events.
Register today, book your hotel and find full program details at https://www.thebhhs.org/events.
Monday, May 19 — Evening Plenary
To Suffer in Silence David Pittman, a survivor of child sexual abuse and founder of Together We Heal, shares his story of suffering abuse in a Southern Baptist church and spotlights how a culture of silence impacts not only survivors but their families, congregations and communities as well, often hindering progress toward accountability and healing. Drawing on his journey of recovery and advocacy, David emphasizes that meaningful actions are the only way to protect, defend and support those who cannot speak for themselves.
Tuesday, May 20 — Morning Plenary
The Lord is an Avenger: Patriarchy, Predators and Preventing Exploitation This session will explore the dynamics of abuse and harassment through power analysis, description of manipulation tactics, and common boundary testing. Through case examples and conversation, approaches to prevention of abuse/harassment and cultivation of safe behaviors will be learned.
Tuesday, May 20 — Afternoon Plenary
Breaking the Silence: Addressing Abuse in Baptist Communities Abuse within Baptist communities takes many forms—clergy sexual abuse and misconduct, domestic violence and racialized spiritual abuse—yet Baptist churches and institutions often struggle to respond effectively. This panel brings together legal, theological, social work, and survivor perspectives to examine the challenges of addressing abuse and creating safer, more just Baptist communities. Panelists will discuss institutional accountability, survivor advocacy, and practical steps for reform. This conversation will explore how Baptists can confront abuse with both courage and conviction
Wednesday, May 21 — Morning Plenary
Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse: Impact on Survivors This plenary session will define Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse (ACSA) and describe the impact. ACSA involves pastors using their power and position to engage in sexual acts with those in their care, leading to severe psychological and spiritual harm. The status quo in 2025 is tragic: Congregations often blame victims and perpetrators are rarely held accountable.
BHHS is comprised of an extremely diverse group of Baptists located throughout North America including American Baptists, Canadian Baptists, Cooperative Baptists, National Baptists, Primitive Baptists, Seventh Day Baptists, Southern Baptists and many others. Members also include several dozen Baptists in other countries and on several continents. To read more about the work of the Baptist History & Heritage Society, visit www.thebhhs.org. Connect with BHHS Executive Director Aaron Weaver at aweaver@thebhhs.org.