Former President of Southern Baptist Convention, Johnny Hunt, has been suspended formally as a pastor emeritus at First Baptist Church Woodstock (FBCW) in Georgia, United States, for allegations of sexual assault. Some years ago, he was said to have sexually assaulted a younger pastor’s wife.
In a letter published last Friday, Pastor Jeremy Morton and other members of the church were said to have recommended to Hunt that he undergo a clear process of counseling, accountability, and restoration.
"We also believe it is in the best interest of FBCW to suspend his role as Pastor Emeritus,” the statement said. It added that the church leaders believe the decision aligns with its biblical theology as a church regarding its spiritual leaders being above reproach (1Timothy 3:2)."
It will be recalled that on May 22, 2022, a report was compiled by the outside firm, Guidepost Solutions, explain the results from an investigation into accusations that SBC leaders coerced whistleblowers and absolved churches with obvious claims of negligence of sexual abuse victims.
Hence, 69 year-old Hunt, who served as SBC president from 2008 to 2010, was suspended.
According to the report of the sexual assault, the unidentified victim said that Hunt touched her inappropriately and requested that she should have sex with him thrice daily. The incident occurred in Panama City Beach, Florida, on July 25, 2010. The victim and her husband were said to see Hunt as a mentor.
However, Hunt responded to the allegations against him, while responding to the church in an Instagram post. He said that although he had met with the younger pastor’s wife, the report by “Guidepost Solutions was sensationalized.
Hunt said, "Our (him and the younger pastor’s wife) brief but improper encounter ended when — in response to an overwhelming feeling of conviction — I stopped it and I fled the situation. I remember saying just before leaving the condo (in Florida), 'This is not right. I have no business being here. I love my wife.' I have never been in a room again privately with the woman involved…”
He has also apologized for his action and is presently going through a “healing” process.
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