In support of the sixth strategic action of Vision 2025 adopted by messengers to the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting, Baptist Press will continue to report every instance of sexual abuse related to Southern Baptist churches, entities, institutions or leaders of which we are made aware.
FORT WORTH – A statement released by the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary announced their cooperation with local authorities and immediate action in regard to a now-former student who was arrested on abuse charges:
“At roughly 1:00 p.m. this afternoon, Southwestern Seminary became aware of an outstanding warrant for Christian Flores, a Texas Baptist College student, for one count of felony sexual assault. Immediately upon becoming aware of the warrant, Southwestern Seminary Campus Police began working with the Fort Worth Police Department and the Burleson Police Department to locate and arrest the student. The student turned himself in at approximately 4:00 p.m. and was arrested by the Burleson Police Department. He has been immediately suspended as a student, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Southwestern Seminary takes seriously allegations of sexual assault. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, please report it to the appropriate persons on campus or local law enforcement.”
Repeated requests by Baptist Press to the Burleson Police Department for a police report and a photo of Flores were denied.
If you are/have been a victim of sexual abuse or suspect sexual abuse by a pastor, staff member or member of a Southern Baptist church or entity, please reach out for help at 202-864-5578 or [email protected]. All calls are confidential.
(EDITOR’S NOTE – Brandon Porter serves as associate vice president for Convention News at the SBC Executive Committee.)
