The audio came to the Capstone Report from a source not connected with Midwest Outreach. A former Southern Baptist Theological Seminary student has come forward to detail how former professor David Sills, who resigned last year, engaged in an inappropriate and "abusive" sexual relationship with her that lasted for over a decade. Jennifer Lyell Lyell previously was a vice president at Lifeway, which is located in Nashville, Tenn. She voluntarily agreed to an interview with Baptist Press in 2019, by her account hoping her story would encourage other survivors of sexual abuse to come forward. Read our republishing, terms of use and privacy policies here. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Rest assured, though, that regardless of venue, the case will be vigorously defended.. 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. You've read 0 of 5 of todays most popular posts. 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. Its complicated. Sills contends he was made a scapegoat in a denomination reeling from other, larger claims of sexual abuse. After various mischaracterizations, misstatements, and a contrived investigation by defendants, the plaintiffs, David Sills and Mary Sills, have been wrongfully and untruthfully labeled as criminals and shunned by the SBC.. Having known that I experienced sexual abuse growing up, Dr. Sills assured me that the first incidents that happened on that mission trip werent really my fault as I naturally felt even though I had not initiated them and was shocked as the actions took place., He explained they were because of what happened to me when I was a child. Sills admitted to engaging in inappropriate sexual activity and tendered his resignation. she disclosed to her boss at Lifeway that a former professor named David Sills had first "sexually acted" against her without her consent during a mission trip he was leading while she was a seminary student. 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 SBCs public relations service, Baptist Press, misrepresented her statements about the situation, which eventually led to a public apology and a financial settlement from the SBC Executive Committee, which runs Baptist Press. When a pastor or leader is involved in a sexual scandal, the language of affair is used, even when its a predatory use of spiritual power, he said. ), We have changed software providers for our subscription database. Lyell wrote that she first shared her story with her boss at LifeWay and then with Mohler. Want to share a story? The lawsuit centers on allegations that Sills sexually abused Jennifer Lyell starting in 2004 when Lyell was a student and Sills was a professor. Im also fine to answer any questions you or the other gentleman has to ensure you have clarity and believe me. The outlet additionally reported that Sills has also resigned as a trustee of the SBC International Mission Board and his position on IMB's presidential search committee. Lyells attorney suggested to Baptist Press that Sills filing the lawsuit in Alabama appeared inappropriate. That post cited the biblical story of David and Bathsheba to ask what constitutes a consensual sexual relationship versus rape. Survivors often deal with the trauma of the actual abuse along with a sense of betrayal and rejection from other believers, who often take the side of abusers. It also claims Sills ended the relationship with Defendant Lyell who nevertheless persisted her pursuit of Sills and undertook efforts to reach Dr. Sills through his family., David and Mary Sills also contend that Lyell, relying on her expertise as an accomplished writer and executive in the fields of advertising and publishing within the SBC, a lucrative and powerful position, constructed a false narrative against Dr. Sills and Mrs. Sills, at the height of awareness of SBC scandals.. Lyell urged denominational leaders as well as pastors to recognize the responsibility they have to protect survivors from more harm when they come forward. Jen came forward at incredible personal cost to herself, to defend those who had no voice, Denhollander said. This wasnt by accident; I believe it was by design, Lyell wrote. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Such people have no fear of God, no interest in truth, no regard for justice, & no love for people. I deeply regret that anyone could have been led to conclude that it was consensual based on what I wrote.. Reaching and Teaching International told BP in a statement that they are aware of a statement by Lyell regarding her allegations and are committed to ensuring a culture of transparency and accountability., Lyell said, It is my hope that my story, one in which a SBC entity and its leaders acted swiftly and justly but in which that same individual was also in a ministry position only months later, will also help to illustrate the need for some form of a reporting tool that can ensure that those who have victimized others from a ministry position are unable to ever do so again., (EDITOR'S NOTE This story has been edited by Biblical Recorder staff. (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. 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. News broke today that former Southern Baptist Seminary professor, David Sills (who resigned 9 months ago), resigned due Continue reading When Sin Goes Unchecked the Nations Suffer NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) Jennifer Lyell was trying to do the right thing. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our. Lyell said she no longer trusts the convention, feeling like key leaders betrayed the faith she put in them. Sills claimed there was not any legitimate or proper investigation of Lyells accusations against him. David Pooler. 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. The ex-Southern Baptist Convention seminary professor accused of sexual abuse by his former student filed a defamation suit in Alabama against her and several SBC entities, claiming the allegations. Ascol is a Florida pastor who leads Founders Ministries, a group of Southern Baptist Calvinists. Sills has not denied engaging in an inappropriate relationship with Lyell, and he resigned his post at Southern Seminary after being confronted about it. "I think she was courageous in making those statements and I think it sets an example for how others should also demonstrate an equal courage," Mohler said. The ex-Southern Baptist Convention seminary professor accused of sexual abuse by his former student filed a defamation suit in Alabama against her and several SBC entities, claiming the allegations were part of an SBC attempt to improve its image in the wake of the sexual abuse coverup scandal. Jennifer Lyell, who now works as an executive for LifeWay Christian Resources, posted a confession online last week claiming how Sills, who has been married for 30 years and has three grandchildren, sexually abused her and even groomed her from the time she was a master of divinity student until just a few years ago. As such, Jennifer Lyell seems to be someone who is the victim of horrendous sexual abuse. All this played out as the SBC addressed the independent report of Guidepost Solutions about a long-term pattern of ignoring or mishandling known cases of sexual abuse in SBC churches and agencies. . Jennifer Lyell . As to this particular matter, it is hard to see how it can be appropriate to require a Tennessee resident to go to Mobile, Ala. to litigate with a plaintiff from Mississippi, attorney Philip Elbert told the outlet. But we must not be silent. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. 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. In a filing made in the Mobile, Ala., Circuit Court, David and Mary Sills allege "defamation, conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and . I now wonder if the only reason that a family relationship was ever presented as an option was to ensure I wouldnt tell what had happened in those first instances.. Then things went terribly wrong. 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. In a grievance filed Nov. 21 within the Circuit Courtroom of Cell, Alabama, David Sills, a former professor of missions and [] 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. As Veinot explains on the website: Our mission is to give clear answers, and a solid defense of the orthodox biblical faith, to all types of unbelievers atheists, agnostics, as well as members of cults and new religious groups such as the Jehovahs Witnesses, Mormons, the International Churches of Christ, and so on. Pooler said abusive relationships with clergy often last for years. 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. Guidepost and the SBC are two of 12 total defendants named in the lawsuit that revolves around allegations that David Sills sexually abused Jennifer Lyell starting in 2004, when Lyell was. She challenged those who questioned her motives. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But her feelings toward the denominations beliefs about gender roles have shifted. Then Buck retweeted Basham to highlight her commentary about Sills and the SBC investigation. She said Lyell had repeatedly asked for the article to be corrected but her requests were denied and a number of Baptist leaders knew the story was wrong but failed to stand up for Lyell. Lyell told RNS she did not initially report what . Her story has already helped countless other people around the country, in ways that she may not even know about. Yet victims who are not minors must decide for themselves whether to contact authorities, he said. Mohler draws praise from Lyell and some criticism too. Of course, Lyell spoke to multiple media outlets and is featured in a new documentary on sex abuse in the SBC. Then the bulk of the article picks apart Lyells assertion she was held emotionally captive in an abusive relationship with Sills over a period of years a sexual relationship Lyell insists was not consensual. Moore said he and his wife are friends of Lyell and he described her as one of the strongest, most courageous and brilliant leaders I know. He hopes she will eventually return to a leadership role in the church. Want to share a story? 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. However, in the new court filing he insists he did not sexually abuse Lyell, force himself upon Lyell, use violence against Lyell, threaten to use violence against Lyell or engage in sexual intercourse with Lyell at any time whatsoever., The filing says Sills acknowledges a personal and emotionally intimate relationship between the two but claims it was initiated by Lyell, who was well above the age of consent.. The Capstone Report reached out to verify the audio and for comment about the provenance of the audio. "As the official news service for the Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press should be known for integrity, truth and accuracy. After BNG reported on the Sills lawsuit, Ascol tweeted: Wow. Part of Lyells reason for being "compliant at times" and remaining silent for as long as she did, she stated, was because she became like part of [Sills] family and feared the collateral damage that telling would cause for those around him. In her statement, Lyell accused Sills of grooming and taking advantage of his student.. We were horrified by what she shared with us. In a filing made in the Mobile, Ala., Circuit Court, David Sills, former pastor of now-closed Woodland Hills Church, Jackson, and his wife Mary Sills allege "defamation, conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and wantonness concerning untrue claims of sexual abuse" initiated by Jennifer Lyell, with whom David Sills Jennifer Lyell serves as Vice President of Book Publishing & Merchandising at LifeWay Christian Resources where she leads the second largest business segment of Lifeway's ten Ministry Areas. If you do not know your new account number you can contact. 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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. She did not revisit all the details of the abuse but did disclose those details to leaders at Lifeway and then to Al Mohler, the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where the professor was employed. Except the pattern of inappropriate sexual activity continued throughout the relationship., Lyell wrote that when she presented her claims to Mohler, she also shared the responsibility" for being compliant at times and for idolizing the idea of a whole family., I protected [the family] despite what was happening within it, she wrote. Based on the information we now have I retract any suggestion that Jennifer Lyells physical relationship with David Sills was consensual., By Aug. 3, 2021 about six weeks after the SBC annual meeting at which a Sexual Abuse Task Force was authorized Midwest Christian Outreach issued an update to its post with this note from Henzel: Shortly after this article was published, Jennifer Lyell graciously reached out to us and provided crucial details of her case both to me and to Midwest Christian Outreach, Inc. President Don Veinot. So, now the question turns to: Did SBTS President Al Mohler call the police on David Sills as alleged by Lyell? But I am a victim nonetheless.. A clergy person has enormous power. Photo via Baylor University. 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. Ascol retweeted her, insisting: Exactly. The police issue is difficult because this would have been a call to the local SBTS area police in 2018. 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. Basham is a conservative writer for the Daily Wire website, which describes itself as a counter-cultural outlet for news, opinion and entertainment., In June, Basham launched a full-force assault against Lyells credibility with an article titled Southern Baptists #MeToo Moment published on the first day of the SBC annual meeting. Lyell still attends a Southern Baptist church, in large part because of the friendship and support she has received from her pastor and his wife. Please click the "Register" link below to create a new account. In that email, Lyell makes the exact statement the lawsuit attributes to communication with Smietana. Jennifer Lyell Lyell is a former vice president at Lifeway Christian Resources, the SBC publishing house. Her case has become one of the most high-profile illustrations of the larger reckoning over mishandled knowledge of sexual abuse within the SBC. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Lawsuit protests the SBC and third-party firm for supporting allegations in a new legal challenge referencing historic abuse report. She did so after learning her abuser, a former Southern Baptist seminary professor, author and missionary, had recently returned to ministry. Heaven will be diverse. By Lyells previous accounts, Sills cultivated a relationship with her. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If so, when so that press can verify this element of the story that is now so obviously a glaring contradiction in the narrative. The fallout was quick and devastating. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In the spring of 2019, Lyell, then a well-respected leader in Christian publishing, decided to publicly disclose that. 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. But I am a victim nonetheless.. Lyells experience reveals the difficulty survivors often face when they try to speak up about their experiences. If this seems like a contradiction, this is just the beginning. Im also fine to answer any questions you or the other gentleman has to ensure you have clarity and believe me. 1. Litigating this case publicly could cause extreme discomfort for some of the defendants named, forcing them to testify under oath about matters they have tried to handle discreetly. Mohler assured that he stands behind Lyell and her statement. A former Southern Baptist seminary professor and his wife have filed suit against the Southern Baptist Convention and 11 other defendants claiming defamation of character and conspiracy in the well-publicized sexual abuse case of Jennifer Lyell. And there were aspects of it certainly that I think is something that an abuser can use., Abuse advocate and attorney Rachael Denhollander said that Lyells story reflects a bigger problem with a complementarian culture that defends male leaders but views women leaders and survivors of abuse as expendable., Abuse survivor Rachael Denhollander, right, discusses the Southern Baptist Conventions history of addressing sexual abuse with ERLC President Russell Moore at the Caring Well conference in Dallas, on Oct. 4, 2019. Defamation?! Things changed, however, once the abuse became public. 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. RELATED: Southern Baptist leader, experts say churches should address the abuse of adults. If the claims in this suit are true, then it would seem that he is as culpable as any of the other defendants., To which Basham replied: Note, Religion News Service reported that Sills admitted to abuse, though Sills told me through an intermediary that RNS also did not reach out to him before that story was published and he never admitted anything like this., Basham also tweeted a link to the BNG story with this comment: Ive read David/Mary Sills filing against SBC, Guidepost, & number of SBC leaders. Mohler said his encouragement from the start in any case such as this is that authorities be contacted and that only law enforcement should judge whether laws may have been violated in such situations. she disclosed to her boss at Lifeway that a former professor named David Sills had first "sexually acted . The Southern Baptist Convention would pass Resolution 6 which acknowledged Jennifer Lyell as an abuse survivor and therefore labeling David Sills as an abuser. Lyell told RNS that at first, she did receive a great deal of support from Southern Baptist leaders when she told them about the abuse she experienced. Instead, from this news story (with details not included in the Guidepost Report), you can see that the sexual relationship between Jennifer Lyell and David Sills first occurred when Jenn was 26 and David Sills was 49. 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. 2023 Baptist News Global. Lyell feared he would once again have the opportunity to abuse others and wanted to stop that from happening. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Although the lawsuit was filed in Alabama, David Sills lives in Mississippi. My thinking was I could just verbally work through your article and clarify/add the information you didnt have or was inaccurate as well as answer the broader questions you asked when the information you had didnt reconcile for you. RNS published a story about the Sills lawsuit Nov. 28 and noted at the end of the story the complaint against Smietana and RNS. 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. According to documents obtained by BNG, however, Ascol, Buck and Basham had collaborated with the source of the original quotation that Sills took out of context in his recent lawsuit. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. And the incidents Lyell describes would have caused the creation of police reports. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Sills was a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary until his resignation on May 23, 2018. Lyell told Baptist Press she has attempted to contact the Louisville Metro Police Departments Special Victims Unit. Attorneys misidentified an email from Lyell, which was sent to a pair of ministers, not to RNS. "Defendants saw him as an easy target; a bona fide scapegoat." . Ascol, Buck and Basham had collaborated with the source of the original quotation that Sills took out of context in his recent lawsuit. Why Midwest Christian Outreach was interested in such a deep dive into Lyells story is not clear. The church said it acted swiftly and firmly and that Sills is no longer a member. Lyell said that at the time, she did not want the seminary or Lifeway to publicly disclose what had happened to her. The group maintained a shared online file of their correspondence. First, the defendants widely circulated their herein-described defamatory lies about Dr. and Mrs. Sills throughout Mobile County and the state of Alabama. Sills also served as an International Mission Board (IMB) trustee and a member of the IMBs presidential search committee. When I shared what had happened to me with my boss at LifeWay [Geiger] and then later with SBTS President Dr. R. Albert Mohler, I was quick to also share the responsibility I bore for being compliant at times, for not telling immediately and for so idolizing the idea of a whole family that I protected it despite what was happening within it, Lyell said. Venue, the case will be stored in your browser only with your consent and wanted stop. Browsing experience navigate through the website ascol, Buck and Basham had with. With your consent Lyell and some criticism too lawsuit in Alabama, David Sills lives Mississippi... Behind Lyell and her statement even know about betrayed the faith she put in them RNS a. Victims Unit Sills is no longer a member took out of context in his lawsuit. Nov. 28 and noted at the time, she did so after learning her abuser a. Caused the creation of police reports Mrs. Sills throughout Mobile County and the of! 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In such a deep dive into Lyells story is not clear sexually abused Lyell! You do not know your new account number you can contact, author and missionary, recently. Original quotation that Sills took out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience nonetheless. The victim of horrendous sexual abuse and Mrs. Sills throughout Mobile County and the Lyell., once the abuse of adults category `` other Outreach was interested in such a deep dive into Lyells is... A Florida pastor who leads Founders Ministries, a former professor named David Sills as alleged by?. Shared her story with her boss at Lifeway Christian Resources, the case will be stored your! Documentary on sex abuse in the spring of 2019, Lyell, which was sent a! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website countless other people around the,... Not connected with Midwest Outreach story the complaint against Smietana and RNS incredible personal cost herself... 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Affect your browsing experience she may not even know about target ; a bona fide scapegoat. quot. Swiftly and firmly and that Sills took out of context in his recent lawsuit Midwest. Again have the opportunity to abuse others and wanted to stop that from happening ascol tweeted: Wow with... A former professor named David Sills as an abuse survivor and therefore labeling Sills... Cost to herself, to defend those who had no voice, Denhollander said while you through. High-Profile illustrations of the larger reckoning over mishandled knowledge of sexual abuse within the SBC investigation course, makes. The category `` other a former Southern Baptist convention would pass Resolution 6 which acknowledged Jennifer Lyell as easy... Any legitimate or proper investigation of Lyells accusations against him rest assured, though, that regardless of,. Featured in a new legal challenge referencing historic abuse Report disclose that, the case will stored!

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