[Nifster]

But the hierarchy did nothing. That is the point. There were no defrocking. No warnings. Just reassignments.

[LukeL]

My question is why report it to the SBC and not the police? The article states convicted offenders were allowed to preach without the congregation knowing. That would be a violation of sex offender laws. Why didn't anyone in the local church report anything?

Further unlike in the RCC there is no seal of confession and a pastor could be considered an obligated reporter for any type of abuse. Also unlike in the RCC there can be no threat of withholding of sacraments for a person who makes a claim against a church leader so coercion should be a non factor.