Former Southern Baptist Convention president Johnny Hunt concealed sexual misconduct for over a decade and now he’s suing the SBC’s Executive Committee and Guidepost for exposure.
He Went on Vacation
In 2010, shortly after concluding his term as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, Johnny Hunt embarked on his customary vacation. He had intended to resume his duties as the pastor at First Baptist Church in Woodstock, Georgia, in early August.
He Announced a Leave of Absence
Just prior to his return, Hunt shocked his congregation by announcing an extended leave of absence, citing health concerns and exhaustion as the reasons.
The Hidden Motive
Unbeknownst to anyone at the time, Hunt had a hidden motive for his leave. During his vacation in Florida on July 25, 2010, Hunt engaged in a “brief, consensual extramarital encounter” with another pastor’s wife, as later described by his attorneys.
He Hid It for Years
For more than a decade, Hunt concealed this incident from his congregation and the larger Southern Baptist community.
His Secret Counseling Sessions
He secretly underwent a restoration process that included counseling sessions with the woman involved and her husband. Subsequently, he returned to his pastoral role.
He Retired From the Church
For twelve years, the incident remained hidden from public view. Hunt retired from First Baptist in 2019 and took on a new role as a senior vice president for the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) North American Mission Board.
He Still Worked as a Preacher
He continued his active career as a preacher and public speaker, often commanding lucrative engagements.
His Secret Cases Were Published
In 2022, an investigation into the SBC’s handling of abuse cases was published, and Hunt’s name emerged in the report.
She Says It Was Sexual Assault
During the inquiry, conducted by Guidepost Solutions on behalf of the SBC, it was revealed that the woman involved had described the incident as sexual assault and non-consensual.
Investigators Looked Into the Incident
Investigators found her account credible, partly corroborated by a counseling minister and three other credible witnesses. They also questioned the credibility of Hunt’s statements regarding the sexual assault.
He Denied the Content
Upon the report’s public release, Hunt initially denied its contents and insisted the encounter was consensual.
Another Restoration Process
He resigned from the North American Mission Board, underwent another restoration process, and defiantly returned to the pulpit earlier this year.
He Filed a Lawsuit
In the spring of this year, Hunt filed a lawsuit against the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee and Guidepost, alleging that they had irreparably damaged his life by exposing his misconduct and including him in an abuse report.
Says It Was an Invasion of Privacy
The crux of Hunt’s legal claim hinges on invasion of privacy and defamation. His attorneys argue that his actions constituted a private moral failing that should have remained confidential.
Should They Be Private?
This argument raises several questions. Can a pastor’s transgressions genuinely be considered private, especially when they have built their career on advocating for moral values?
Some Doubt His Privacy Claim
Legal experts cast doubt on the viability of Hunt’s privacy claim, particularly in light of his prominent status as a religious leader who publicly addressed issues of morality and ethical living.
It’s a Matter of Public Concern
The #MeToo movement has heightened public scrutiny of leaders’ misconduct, rendering it a matter of public concern.
Defamation Claim May Work
The defamation claim may hold more ground if the allegations against Hunt are proven false.
This Could Be More Challenging
Nevertheless, as a well-known evangelical figure who publicly championed moral values, he could be classified as a public figure, making a defamation claim more challenging to substantiate.
They Need to Be False Allegations
To succeed in his defamation claim, Hunt would need to demonstrate that the Executive Committee and Guidepost knowingly published false allegations.
The Woman Says It Wasn’t Consensual
This may be difficult, considering the woman involved maintains that the encounter was non-consensual.
Misconduct in Religious Organizations
Hunt’s lawsuit, its outcome, and its potential implications for addressing clergy misconduct and abuse within religious organizations remain topics of considerable interest.
The Church Hasn’t Made a Public Statement
Historically, fear of litigation has deterred Southern Baptist leaders from addressing abuse issues, and churches have refrained from making public statements about clergy misconduct to avoid legal repercussions.
Website That Tracks Abusive Clergy
The legal concerns have also hampered the progress of the SBC’s “Ministry Check” website, a database of abusive clergy.
Some Pastors Aren’t Displayed
Despite its approval in June 2022, the site does not yet display names of abusive pastors, even those convicted of crimes.
Legal Expenses Lead to Financial Instability
The ongoing legal expenses related to the sexual abuse crisis and investigation have also posed financial challenges for the SBC’s Executive Committee, leading to layoffs and financial instability.
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The post “Should a Pastor’s Sins Remain Hidden?” – Megachurch Leader’s Lawsuit Unearths Long-Buried Sexual Misconduct From Decades Past first appeared on Fistful of Dollars.
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