The State Convention of Baptists in Indiana, a group of 445 independent churches who choose to work together for mission, education and religious purposes, acknowledges that 17 years ago, two young women were taken advantage of by Wesley Leon Feltner who at the time was a staff member of the 1st Southern Baptist Church in Evansville, Indiana.

It is our only desire to see healing come to those involved in this matter.  We do not pretend to know the total information or the truth to the accusations, we only desire to see reconciliation, healing and where appropriate, repentance.

Recognition of this event is due to it coming to the attention of the leadership of the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana, about two of the churches that are part of our convention of churches.  While the convention at large has no part in these accusations, we do want to share our belief that if true, our convention does not condone the grooming and inappropriate relationships that are depicted in the stories of those making the accusations, nor do we condone that Wesley Leon Feltner possibly received recommendations from people/leaders/churches that allowed him to continue in leadership roles in future churches without fully dealing with these accusations at the time of their occurrence.

The State Convention of Baptists in Indiana, at our annual meeting of churches on October 28-29, 2919, at Highland Lakes Camp passed two resolutions and one motion related to the sexual abuse issue.  The Executive Board has enlisted a study group of people from our board and outside of the board to continue to look into ways that we as a convention of churches can help each other prevent this issue, provide resources for our churches and to find ways to help victims of abuse in general but specifically that might have occurred in a church affiliated with the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana.

We ask that everyone join together in prayer for this issue, for all involved and for churches affected by these issues.  Ultimately, pray for the damage that this does to the cause of Christ being exalted and the gospel moving forward.

In Christ,

Dr. Steve McNeil
Executive Director
State Convention of Baptists in Indiana

 

Bobby Pell
President
State Convention of Baptists in Indiana

 

Greg Byman
Chairman
State Convention of Baptists in Indiana Study Group
Executive Board of the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana