Bob Jones University under fire for firing investigating team exploring sexual abuse allegations

The NY Times reported on the recent firing of G.R.A.C.E. (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment, or Grace) at Bob Jones University which has sparked attacks and questions to explain the university’s decision.

photo bju.edu

Stephen Jones, president of the university and great-grandson of its founder, addressed students and employees, saying, “We grew concerned that in the process, Grace had begun going beyond the originally outlined intentions,” but he would not elaborate.

Jones said the university had not told Grace what its concerns were and wanted to discuss them with the consultant but could do so only face to face and felt compelled to fire the firm first.

“We terminated our agreement with Grace so that we could sit down and get it back on track,” Mr. Jones said, vowing to complete the investigation, with or without Grace.

The investigation was led by Boz Tchividjian, Billy Graham’s grandson. Tchividjian, founder and executive director of GRACE, wrote on why Christians struggle to report sex abuse claims.

“At the heart of the struggle is a fear that is rooted in the need to self-protect,” he wrote. “All such ‘fears’ are usually masked by a rationale that the reporting of such abuse may ‘damage the reputation of Christ.’”

According to reports, the GRACE investigative team visited the Bob Jones University campus to meet with administrators and student leaders last February. An online confidential survey was accessed 914 times, and 236 were completed and submitted, when the survey officially closedApril 30. In its most recent report in November, the team reported completing about 80 interviews and having reviewed all written statements and other materials submitted to GRACE.

The termination letter asks “that all work by GRACE be halted” and “that all documents, information and interviews be kept confidential.”

As a pro-life organization, Life Dynamics condemns any institution, especially a religious institution, which covers the sexual abuse of children in the same way we have condemned the abortion industry for continuing to do the exact same thing.

Life Dynamics’ president, Mark Crutcher had this to say, “Our position is the same as it has always been; people who conceal the sexual molestation of children are no better than the molesters.  Both should be thrown in jail and left there to rot.  And yes, we apply that standard to people who claim to be religious leaders as well as the organizations they run.  When it comes to protecting children against predators, no one is entitled to a “get-out-of-jail-free” card.”

Crutcher continued, “That is why we have been exposing the criminal behavior of Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation.  These two organizations are operating a nationwide pedophile protection ring and we have proven it.  We are fully aware that there are sexual abuses against children being committed by people associated with religious entities and that there are people who actively cover-up these atrocities.  But we also know that the scale of that scandal is literally dwarfed by the one taking place at facilities operated by Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation.  Moreover, they have been doing this for years and financing it with taxpayer dollars.”

Check out the full article from the NY Times HERE

About Life Dynamics: http://www.lifedynamics.com/Pro-life_Group/

Mark Crutcher’s Bio http://www.lifedynamics.com/Pro-life_Group/Prolife_Activist/