Church Deacon Calls for Pastor's Resignation Over Mishandled Sex Abuse Reports
A member of the Immanuel Baptist Church's board of deacons has called for the senior pastor's resignation, citing alleged years-long mishandling of sex abuse reports by former employees.
Little Rock, Arkansas – A member of Immanuel Baptist Church's (IBC) board of deacons has called for the resignation of senior pastor Steven Smith. The demand stems from allegations that the pastor mishandled sex abuse reports involving former church employees over several years.
In an 11-page letter, David Choate, a deacon at IBC since 2018, urged Smith to step down, stating the lead pastor has "proven himself to be untruthful and untrustworthy." This development is the latest in a widening sex abuse scandal that has engulfed the prominent Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) megachurch over the past month.
The matter was previously reported by The Roys Report. Gates Law Firm, PLLC is representing parties involved in the case.