Abused in a Southern Baptist church? You decide what happens next.
Confidential. Your story stays private. We explain your options, and you choose. Free case review, no fee unless we win, and a real person answers 24/7.
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Four things to know
Take them at your own pace.
What you can get paid for
A claim can cover the harm done to you, now and later.
Find out what your case is worthDeadlines vary. Act early.
How long you have depends on the type of case and who is responsible. Some claims, such as those against a government agency, have deadlines measured in months, not years. Call early, and we find the deadline that applies to you.
Questions we get every day
Straight answers. No fine print.
It happened years ago. Is it too late?
Will my name be public?
How much do you charge?
Sexual abuse cases in nine states
Staffed offices in Irvine, Chicago and Las Vegas, and satellite offices by appointment. We also come to you.
More about your options
Read the full guide
Updated October 2026. General information, not legal advice about your case.
Southern Baptist sexual abuse: what to know
Southern Baptist churches are independent congregations that cooperate through the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and state conventions. Survivors of abuse by a pastor, youth minister, staff member or volunteer may have claims against the local church and, depending on the facts, other organizations.
If you are in danger now, call 911. You can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) 24/7 at 800-656-4673.
The 2022 independent investigation
In May 2022, Guidepost Solutions released an independent investigation of how the SBC Executive Committee handled sexual abuse allegations. It was commissioned by a task force that SBC messengers created, and it reported systemic problems in how allegations were handled (Baptist Press). Records like these can help show what leaders knew.
Who can be responsible
- The local church, for hiring, supervision and how it handled complaints
- A church that recommended the abuser to another church despite warnings
- Other organizations, such as a camp, school or association, depending on their role
Rules that shape your case
- More time than before. Many states, including California, have changed their laws in recent years to give survivors of childhood sexual abuse much more time to bring a claim, and in some cases there is no deadline (California School Boards Association summary). Other claims can still have short deadlines, for example some claims against public agencies. Call to find out what applies to you.
- Your privacy. The conversation with us is confidential. In many cases, a survivor can bring a case without their name in public court records. You decide how fast to go and what to share.
Other states where we handle cases have their own rules.
What to do now
- Take care of yourself. Support is available, whether or not you bring a claim.
- Write down what you remember when you are ready: the church, the people, the years, and who you told.
- Keep messages, photos, church directories and bulletins from that time.
- Do not sign anything from the church or its insurer before you get advice.
- Call us when you are ready. The call is confidential, and there is no fee or cost unless we recover money for you.
Not sure if you have a case? Call anyway. It's free to ask.
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This is a paid advertisement for TORKLAW, not an offer or guarantee of results. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. Some matters may be referred to partner firms as appropriate. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Tracy R. Horn, Esq. is responsible for this advertisement. Main Office: 18650 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612.