I’m trying to (a) acknowledge the progress made by the ARITF while, (b) acknowledging that people rightly expect more than what we have done.

OK, why don't you just pass an amendment saying basically "in order to be in fellowship with the SBC you have to implement these policies like 1. Background checks for all staff, volunteers church leadership, etc. I am a retired attorney and it's very cheap to do this by the way. Just pass rules on it and instead of debating endlessly just say "do it or you're not part of the SBC". Doesn't mean that church can't be a non-denominational church or something else... you have made membership in the SBC too easy and with little oversight.... start enforcing reasonable rules. It doesn't take 2 years to do this. I could draft you rules that would work in a couple of hours at most. Non-Christian businesses have rules of conduct that get enforced so why is this so hard?

Bart, you have done an admirable job in almost impossible circumstances. I am very thankful for you and pray the Lord's peace will be with you for the efforts you have put forth. Many thanks, brother.

Is it really that difficult to have a manual for background checks? A “how to”. Steps. A high school class project could do it. Consult other businesses that do it. The YMCA has a systematic procedure to protect kids. My God why is it so difficult for the SBC to do something that simple?

Where are clear, actionable steps communicated & accessible to every congregation of every size to prevent, report, & respond to abuse? Where is the accountability for completing these steps? Where is the advocacy for survivors? Where is a database of abusers? We can do better.

Tell us how the SBC has repudiated and condemned Paul Pressler strongly and without equivocation. What consequences have been brought on him and churches that enabled his abuse? Has he been removed from his congregation?

You're doing great work in a tough job, Bart. I'm grateful we have a steady hand on the tiller.

Task force is a do- nothing grift run by leftists. Vacate.

Bart, I've said it before...you are a feckless excuse for a leader. You hide your cruelty behind your "aw shucks" facade, but you truly have a withered heart.