By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force has recommended the Southern Baptist Convention Credentials Committee hire Guidepost Solutions to establish and maintain a “Ministry Check” website database for those credibly accused of sexual abuse, according to Baptist Press, the news division of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
The Pathway, the news service of the Missouri Baptist Convention, reported that the task force’s recommendation of Guidepost was made despite criticism about Guidepost’s open support of “Gay Pride” month. Last June, Guidepost Solutions, which, on behalf of the SBC, published the disputed “Report of the Independent Investigation” about alleged mishandling of sex abuse by the SBC EC, tweeted, “Guidepost is committed to strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion and strives to be an organization where our team can bring their authentic selves to work.
“We celebrate our collective progress toward equality for all and are proud to be an ally to our LGBTQ+ community,” the post added.
Marshall Blalock, ARITF chairman and pastor of the First Baptist Church in Charleston, South Carolina, conceded to SBC EC members that “some Southern Baptists will immediately have concerns about our choice.” However, he claimed Guidepost Solutions had “altered their social media engagement so this will not be an issue going forward,” Baptist Press reported. He also said Guidepost Solutions had formed a new “faith-based division” whose leader has ties to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary to oversee the $1.5 million-$2 million project (funded by $3 million contributed by the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board via Send Relief).
