Oklahoma Southern Baptists create abuse prevention task force
An Oklahoma Southern Baptist leader has fulfilled his commitment to creating a task force aimed at preventing sexual abuse in churches and helping leaders and congregations become better at responding to it.
The Rev. Todd Fisher said he would make the creation of such a task force one of his first actions as the new executive director-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists. The faith group is formally known as the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Fisher, former senior pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee, officially took the executive director-treasurer position in January.
Oklahoma Baptists board members recently approved the establishment of an Abuse Prevention & Response Task Force, with Eric Costanzo, pastor of First Baptist Church of South Tulsa to serve as the group’s chair. Other task force members include: Jennifer Barnett, Leanne Deason, Ann Jenkins, Doug Melton, Troy Taylor and Lori Twomey.
The new task force is one of the latest developments in the aftermath of a 2019 investigative series by the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express News. The newspaper series included troubling reports of credibly accused and other ministry leaders moving from church to church within the Southern Baptist denomination, with congregations unaware of their alleged misdeeds. The series also uncovered more than a few instances of Southern Baptist church leaders covering up allegations of sexual abuse instead of calling local law authorities.
Southern Baptist Convention leaders on the national level as well as the state level pledged to do more to keep such situations from reoccurring. Many state affiliates, including Oklahoma Baptists, have held regional conferences and seminars focusing on the topic.
Fisher recently talked about his hopes for the new task force as another step in combatting sexual abuse in ministry. His comments are shared in the following question-and-answer format.
Q: Why was the creation of an
Abuse Prevention & Response Task Force a priority for you as Oklahoma Baptists’ new executive directortreasurer?
A: Oklahoma Baptists must prioritize the issue of abuse prevention and response. I am thankful for the men and women who will be serving on this task force and the expertise they have in helping us prevent and properly respond to instances of abuse. We will ensure that we are doing everything we can toward the safety and well-being of each person. We must work diligently to prevent abuse in all forms from ever happening, and this task force will be key in ensuring the best practices are in place. The task force will be forwardlooking and vital to all we do in the future.
Q: Why did you select the Rev. Costanzo as chair of the task force?
A: Pastor Chris Wall, who serves as
Oklahoma Baptists’ president, and our board of directors have appointed a great group of people and an outstanding leader in Pastor Eric Costanzo for this important task force. Eric has been a recognized leader in our state on the issue of abuse prevention. In February of 2020, when we hosted regional conferences in Oklahoma on abuse prevention, Eric and his church congregation stepped forward to host the event and champion this urgent priority. We are convinced his integrity, leadership abilities and heart for this will be key.
Q: What are the challenges of exploring ways to prevent abuse and effectively respond to it when it occurs?
A: We recognize that abuse occurs in all areas of society, tragically even in church and ministry settings. As Oklahoma Baptists, we must find ways to prevent abuse and to care well for those who have been affected by abuse. Some of the challenges include making sure the best information and training is readily available for those who serve our state convention and churches, as well as establishing clear, timely communication for leaders and workers to ensure best practices are carried out.
Q: What are the rewards of working towards these goals? A: The church ought to be the safest
place in society for people. How well we prevent abuse and respond is important to every family, and it is a reflection on our Christian calling and witness. This task force has the potential to make sure the very best practices to prevent abuse are in place.
Q: Several women have been appointed to serve on the task force. Was this intentional? A: Statistics show that women are
greatly affected by abuse, and we want to ensure that women’s perspectives are represented in this process. We are blessed to have a capable and wise group of women and men serving on this task force. We recognize each of these individuals bring an important perspective and wealth of experience. We ask for your prayers as they meet and take on this task.