Selected Reporting
Recent reporting from trusted news sources with concise summaries and links to original articles
Verified external news stories related to church leadership, accountability, cultural issues, institutional reporting, discipline, doctrinal matters, and related topics.
Editorial Standards
Selected Reporting presents summaries of external reporting that are contextually relevant to our mission. We do not own these stories; we link to original reporting and give full attribution. Summaries are editorially crafted for clarity and relevance. This is not original reporting but a curated, editorially selected collection of external news items relevant to the Church and accountability.
DoctrineChristianity TodayState of Theology Survey Reveals Evangelicals Confused and Conflicted on Core Beliefs
A new State of Theology survey reveals significant doctrinal confusion among American evangelicals on fundamental Christian beliefs. The survey found mixed responses on essential doctrines including the nature of God, salvation, Scripture, and Christ's divinity. Many evangelicals hold contradictory beliefs simultaneously, raising concerns among theologians about biblical literacy and doctrinal formation in contemporary evangelical churches. The findings highlight growing challenges in maintaining theological orthodoxy amid cultural pressures and declining engagement with systematic doctrine.
Multiple Sex Scandals Are Rocking the MAGA Faith Community
Multiple sexual misconduct and abuse allegations have emerged from the conservative evangelical movement in recent weeks. Cases include Pastor Robert Morris pleading guilty to child sex abuse charges, the arrest of Covenant Eyes co-founder's stepson on child sex abuse charges, and an Indiana National Guard member and pastor's son charged with child exploitation. The Anglican Church in North America is also facing allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct. The article examines the contradiction between the movement's claims of moral authority and the ongoing crisis of alleged misconduct within its ranks.
Archbishop of U.S. Anglican Church Is Accused of Sexual Harassment
Archbishop Stephen Wood, the highest-ranking prelate of the Anglican Church in North America, has been formally accused of sexual harassment, plagiarism, and bullying by former employees. Claire Buxton, a former children's ministry director at St. Andrew's Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, alleges that Wood gave her an "intimate" hug and attempted to kiss her in his office in April 2024. The accusations come amid continuing turmoil in the small conservative denomination that broke from the Episcopal Church in 2009.
Mercy Culture Backs Church Elder Facing Dueling Reports on Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Mercy Culture Church is standing behind an elder facing sexual misconduct allegations despite competing investigative reports reaching different conclusions. The case highlights ongoing tensions in how churches handle abuse allegations, with questions about investigation transparency, institutional loyalty, and victim credibility. The church maintains its support for the elder while critics question whether organizational interests are being prioritized over accountability and victim protection.
Dr. Michael Brown Has Been Accused of Sexual Misconduct. He Should Not Return to Ministry
An independent investigation found that prominent Christian apologist Dr. Michael Brown engaged in "sexually abusive misconduct" with a young woman and an inappropriate relationship with a married woman in 2001-2002 at the FIRE school of ministry. Despite these findings, an "Elder Accountability Team" has cleared him to return to ministry. The report details allegations including kissing on the neck, head, and mouth, hand-holding, and inappropriate physical contact with a student. Critics argue the elder's response minimizes the abuse, misuses scripture to attack victims, and confuses forgiveness with re-admittance to leadership—a pattern that re-traumatizes victims and leaves churches unsafe.
Former Mississippi Youth Pastor Who Admitted to Sex Crime Sentenced to House Arrest
A former Mississippi youth pastor who pleaded guilty to a sex crime has been sentenced to house arrest rather than prison time, sparking outrage from the local District Attorney's office. The sentencing decision has raised concerns about accountability in clergy abuse cases and whether lenient sentences adequately protect communities and serve justice for victims.
Royal Rangers, Christian Scouting Alternative, Faces Allegations of Sexual Abuse Cover-Up
The Royal Rangers, a Christian alternative to the Boy Scouts operated by the Assemblies of God, is facing multiple lawsuits alleging decades of sexual abuse and institutional cover-up. Former members have come forward with accusations that the organization failed to properly screen leaders, ignored abuse reports, and prioritized protecting the ministry's reputation over child safety. The lawsuits claim abuse occurred across multiple states dating back to the 1970s, with victims alleging the organization's response was inadequate or non-existent.
Texas Megachurch Pastor Arrested on Child Abuse Image Charges
The lead pastor of Mercy Culture Church in Fort Worth, Texas, has been arrested and charged with two counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. Landon Schott, who founded the 3,000-member church in 2021, was taken into custody following an investigation. The church board has placed him on indefinite leave, and law enforcement continues to investigate the case.
Vineyard Anaheim Leaves Denomination, Cites 'Tear in the Fabric' After Spiritual Abuse Investigation
Vineyard Anaheim, the founding church of the Vineyard USA movement, has announced it is leaving the denomination following a third-party investigation into spiritual abuse allegations against senior pastor Alan Scott and his wife, Kathryn. The investigation found evidence of abuse of power, spiritual manipulation, and a toxic leadership culture. The church's departure marks a significant fracture in the Vineyard movement, with church leaders citing irreconcilable differences over how to address the findings. Critics argue the church's exit allows leadership to avoid accountability, while supporters claim denominational interference undermined local church autonomy.
Trusted News Sources We Monitor
Stay Informed
Weekly investigations and selected reporting delivered to your inbox
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Read our privacy policy.