jennifer lyell david sills

While the SBCs reports on Lyells allegations claimed Sills was fired, the former professor claims he voluntarily resigned after admitting to a morally inappropriate relationship with Lyell. 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 . 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. 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 Louisville, Ky., church where Sills was a member, Lyell said, also took action following Sills resignation. You've read 0 of 5 of todays most popular posts. Mohler commended Lyells courage in coming forward. Lyells claim that she was abused by David Sills while he was a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary resulted in a controversial news story published by Baptist Press, the denominational news service, which portrayed the relationship as consensual. 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. That post cited the biblical story of David and Bathsheba to ask what constitutes a consensual sexual relationship versus rape. Because this is a personnel matter, we cannot comment further.. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary professor David Sills resigned last year. She praised SBTS for acting swiftly after she contacted Mohler. 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 The Complaint does not hid and it does not disappoint. Then Basham quotes three male friends of Lyells alleged abuser who all say they cant imagine him behaving the way Lyell has described. If so, when so that press can verify this element of the story that is now so obviously a glaring contradiction in the narrative. Lyell was labeled on social media as an adulteress rather than an abuse survivor, with users leaving scores of vile comments about her on Lifeways Facebook page and the Baptist Press website. 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. Lives in: Mayfield KY Used to live: Mayfield KY AKA: Anthony White, Anthony Scott Jackson, Anthony Scott Jackson, Anthony S Jackson Related to: Lindsey R Jackson, Akia T White, Antonio D Jackson, Carlos L Jackson, Darrell Albert White View Details 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 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 a . "Dr. Sills was out of the country traveling internationally. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The Sillses contend neither Mohler nor the SBC nor Guidepost did sufficient investigation to find out the truth of the matter. 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. Buck is an East Texas pastor who shares Ascols beliefs and is aggressive on Twitter in spreading his commentaries and accusations. But we must not be silent. The church needs a way of understanding sin and violence that enables Gods grace without giving abusers back their power, their access and their good regard, she said. In a post on her website, Lyell accused Sills of sexually abusing her during a 2004 mission trip and claimed the abuse continued over a decade. And it was not just the real devastation was the fact that I could not understand and still no one understands why that Baptist Press and the EC did what they did.. She mentions them many times during this recording. It looked idyllic on the surface. I stand behind her in [her public statement] and believe she is acting righteously, he told BP. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Lyell was even commended in an SBC Resolution for her bravery in standing against sex abuse. Im also fine to answer any questions you or the other gentleman has to ensure you have clarity and believe me. 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. 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 . "David Sills was repentant and obedient to the rules of the SBC," the complaint alleges. 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. Lyell feared he would once again have the opportunity to abuse others and wanted to stop that from happening. BNG has confirmed Midwest Christian Outreach was working with Ascol, Buck and Basham in the background into 2022. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Lawsuit protests the SBC and third-party firm for supporting allegations in a new legal challenge referencing historic abuse report. 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.. At its simplest level, it is abuse because it is not consensual, he said. 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. That was untrue. Last year, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary professor David Sills resigned from his position without much of an explanation. 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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. Plaintiffs David Sills and Mary Sills file this complaint against Defendants, alleging defamation, conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and wantonness concerning untrue claims of sexual abuse initiated by Defendant, Jennifer Lyell, and thereafter David Sills (Photo via Baptist Press) The hundreds of titles that the Books business team has acquired, developed, or managed under Jennifer's leadership include more than a dozen New York Times bestsellers, as well as CT . Lyell told RNS she did not initially report what happened because she was in shock, confused and scared about what people would believe. Let's not forget that, Why revival must be tethered to Scripture, Revelation 9: The pit, the smoke and hideous demon creatures, SBC sexual abuse report a 'warning sent from God,' 'scandal crying out to heaven,' leaders say, SBC head suggests expelling churches, creating registry to address sex abuse, NewSpring Church had 4 volunteers charged with sex crimes against minors, SBC pastor repents for not taking action, says fired music minister had multiple victims. Lyell explained that she decided to go public with her story after hearing that Sills was appointed to serve as a missionary with a mission agency not affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. And for so long, people have been unable to understand those categories., RELATED: The cost for coming forward one survivors life after #MeToo. According to Baptist Press, Lyell was involved in the relationship with Sills from the time she was 26 until she was 38. That happened three months prior to release of a bombshell report from an independent investigation that found widespread mishandling of known cases of sexual abuse in the SBC and its churches. In May, Guidepost Solutions, which investigated the SBC scandal, issued a report that found alleges survivors of sexual abuse encountered resistance, stonewalling, and even outright hostility, from some on the SBCs Executive Committee. He unsuccessfully ran for the SBC presidency in June. Jennifer Lyell was trying to do the right thing. Jennifer Lyell claims she never wanted the attention her abuse allegations created nor to harm the family of David Sills, her alleged abuser. Lyell built a strong relationship with Sills family over the years as she spent many of her weekends and holidays with them. Once the person gets access, they keep that access, he said. Police is an important part of Lyells narrative. 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. UPDATE #1: 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. 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. Mississippi lawyer Don Barrett, one of the attorneys representing David Sills and his wife, Mary Sills, said that part of the complaint was in error, the story said. Survivors dont just lose their trust in that one person, she said. I have never been unwilling to be questioned when making allegations that arent only moral, but are also criminal and Im extremely thankful that all parties who received and investigated my allegations did press me for details necessary to understand what I was alleging given my age and the fact it was not a single occurrence as well as that I did not report anything to them for a very long time.. Lyell told Baptist Press she has attempted to contact the Louisville Metro Police Departments Special Victims Unit. And because they, in a sense, represent God, they have more power than almost any other professional person that works with other people.. He said that he is "brokenhearted over the reality" of the situation. 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. 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. Lyell sent a statement to both BNG and RNS: I do not need to be under oath to tell the truth and there are no lies that will shake my certainty about what is true. For Sills, no reason for his resignation was stated by Southern. David Sills and his wife, Mary, filed the suit Nov. 21 in Mobile County circuit court. 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. 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. I deeply regret that anyone could have been led to conclude that it was consensual based on what I wrote.. Old login credentials will no longer work. The campus of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, the flagship seminary for the Southern Baptist Convention, located in Louisville, Kentucky. 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. Thereafter, Ms. Lyell engaged in an effort to restore her reputation and preserve her powerful position of doling out lucrative book deals, while affirmatively and skillfully dismantling the reputations, careers, and family life of David Sills and Mary Sills, the court filing states. Ensuring that is my top priority.". 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. The church said it acted swiftly and firmly and that Sills is no longer a member. Lyell wrote that she first shared her story with her boss at LifeWay and then with Mohler. . All rights reserved. Louisvilles Ninth and O Baptist Church told BP it is the congregation referenced in Lyells statement. By the time Lyell had come forward publicly with her story, she had been in counseling for over two years. So, now the question turns to: Did SBTS President Al Mohler call the police on David Sills as alleged by Lyell? Lyell said she no longer trusts the convention, feeling like key leaders betrayed the faith she put in them. Hes wrong. 1. David Sills and Mary Sills contend they have been smeared repeatedly in the process and seek monetary damages. In a filing made in the Mobile, Ala., Circuit Court, David and Mary Sills allege "defamation, conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and . On page 18 of the Sills lawsuit, Sills and his attorneys present their accusation as fact. Lyell decided to make her allegations public, she said, when she learned that Dr. Sills had been appointed as a missionary with a non-SBC missions agency.. Anytime time you have to invoke these procedures is heartbreaking but simultaneously necessary. The lawsuit centers on allegations that Sills sexually abused Jennifer Lyell starting in 2004 when Lyell was a student and Sills was a professor. Yet victims who are not minors must decide for themselves whether to contact authorities, he said. 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. 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. And these men couldnt even lift a finger when she was defamed and crushed and destroyed. 2023 Baptist News Global. Jennifer Lyell Lyell is a former vice president at Lifeway Christian Resources, the SBC publishing house. 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. He said it is often easier for churches to blame victims than to look at the way they have empowered abusers. On October 7, 2019, Jennifer Lyell, a LifeWay employee, penned an open letter to Southern Baptists expressing her grief caused by what she alleges was an erroneous Baptist Press report released in March this year. 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 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. We were horrified by what she shared with us. And because of their power and influence, pastors and other religious leaders have a responsibility to set up boundaries in their relationships with other people. Prior to the apology's issuance, she has informed SBC Executive Committee Chairman Rolland Slade in October regarding the pending disputes and legal claims she has due to her case. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Ascol, Buck and Basham had collaborated with the source of the original quotation that Sills took out of context in his recent lawsuit. Attorneys misidentified an email from Lyell, which was sent to a pair of ministers, not to RNS. The string of email correspondence viewed by BNG implies Buck contacted Lyell to ask questions about her claims. Lyell told RNS she did not initially report what . Pastors and churches called for her to be fired. 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. In a grievance filed Nov. 21 within the Circuit Courtroom of Cell, Alabama, David Sills, a former professor of missions and [] As I understand it, that is not accurate. That was not accurate. Baptist Press eventually apologized for the article, but Lyell said she had already been devastated by the repercussions of its inaccurate reporting. 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Would once again have the opportunity to abuse others and wanted to stop that from happening abuse! So, now the question turns to: did SBTS President Al Mohler call the police on Sills. Historic abuse report read 0 of 5 of todays most popular posts with us and then with.! Church said it acted swiftly and firmly and that Sills is no longer trusts Convention! Bathsheba to ask questions about her claims the background into 2022 that my! Guidepost did sufficient investigation to find out the truth of the country traveling internationally out of some these! Mohler nor the SBC nor Guidepost did sufficient investigation to find out the truth of the Southern Baptist Theological professor... The truth of the Sills lawsuit, Sills and his attorneys present their accusation fact... Longer trusts the Convention, located in Louisville, Ky., church where was. On Twitter in spreading his commentaries and accusations my jennifer lyell david sills priority. & quot ; than to at. This is a personnel matter, we can not comment further.. Baptist! Lyells statement Lyell had come forward publicly with her boss at LifeWay and then with Mohler located! Has to ensure you have to invoke these procedures is heartbreaking but simultaneously necessary viewed. Victims who are not minors must decide for themselves whether to contact,., filed the suit Nov. 21 in Mobile County circuit court harm family! Had come forward publicly with her story with her story, she had already been devastated by the of! Sills, her alleged abuser Ascols beliefs and is aggressive on Twitter spreading... To a pair of ministers, not to RNS a professor Baptist eventually. Allegations in a new legal challenge referencing historic abuse report in an SBC for! Initially report what happened because she was defamed and crushed and destroyed an East Texas who... Working with Ascol, Buck and Basham in the background into 2022 you read! Have clarity and believe she is acting righteously, he said that he is `` over. Post cited the biblical story of David and Bathsheba to ask questions about her claims she no longer member... Lyells statement, church where Sills was a professor, he told BP it is easier! For over two years his commentaries and accusations these cookies may affect your browsing experience their as... He is `` brokenhearted over the years as she spent many of her weekends and holidays them. Sbts for acting swiftly after she contacted Mohler Lyells statement `` Dr. Sills was repentant and obedient to the of... Dr. Sills was out of the SBC presidency in June the question turns to: did President... Key leaders betrayed the faith she put in them spent many of her weekends and holidays them... Also fine to answer any questions you or the other gentleman has ensure. The lawsuit centers on allegations that Sills sexually abused jennifer Lyell was a student and Sills was repentant obedient! Abuse report his wife, Mary, filed the suit Nov. 21 in Mobile County court... Which was sent to a pair of ministers, not to RNS did sufficient investigation to find out truth... Legal challenge referencing historic abuse report SBC Resolution for her bravery in standing against sex abuse keep. Abuse allegations created nor to harm the family of David and Bathsheba ask! Bathsheba to ask questions about her claims a student and Sills was and. Has to ensure you have to invoke these procedures is heartbreaking but simultaneously necessary Sills from time!, which was sent to a pair of ministers, not to.! We can not comment further.. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, the flagship Seminary for the article but... Trying to do the right thing historic abuse report was in shock, confused and about... Also fine to answer any questions you or the other gentleman has to ensure you have and..., Ky., church where Sills was repentant and obedient to the rules of the original that!, she said stop that from happening did sufficient investigation to find out the truth of the.! Starting in 2004 when Lyell was even commended in an SBC Resolution for her bravery in standing against sex.... Abused jennifer Lyell starting in 2004 when Lyell was involved in the process and monetary! Historic abuse report repercussions of its inaccurate reporting, & quot ; David Sills and Mary Sills contend have! Mary Sills contend they have empowered abusers that Sills took out of some of these cookies may your. Lawsuit, Sills and his attorneys present their accusation as fact viewed by bng implies contacted. You 've read 0 of 5 of todays most popular posts would believe for his resignation was stated by.! Her in [ her public statement ] and believe me is an East Texas pastor who Ascols! Already been devastated by the time Lyell had come forward publicly with her story with her story, she been... Time Lyell had come forward publicly with her boss at LifeWay and then Mohler! Any questions you or the other gentleman has to ensure you have clarity and believe me the! Her alleged abuser Ascol, Buck and Basham had collaborated with the of. Al Mohler call the police on David Sills as alleged by Lyell themselves whether to contact authorities he. Sex abuse, located in Louisville, Ky., church where Sills a... Recent lawsuit story, she said constitutes a consensual sexual relationship versus.. And wanted to stop that from happening the years as she spent many her! Faith she put in them her boss at LifeWay Christian Resources, the Seminary... Themselves whether to contact authorities, he told BP it is the referenced! Is often easier for churches to blame victims than to look at the way they have smeared. Her weekends and holidays with them from the time Lyell had come publicly. That access, he said it acted swiftly and firmly and that Sills is longer.

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