Trigger Warning: This article contains descriptions of sexual abuse that may be disturbing to some readers.
Mississippi State Officials Expand Sexual Abuse Investigation at Broadmoor Baptist Church
Mississippi state officials have expanded their sexual abuse investigation at Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison to include a second juvenile victim, as reported by multiple sources. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) is now examining two cases of sexual abuse linked to the church.
First Allegation: David Ingram
The first case involves David Ingram, who served as Broadmoor’s youth pastor from 1982 to 1988. One survivor reported that Ingram groomed her starting at age 12 and sexually abused her from age 15, with the abuse continuing for several years. Despite reporting the abuse to Broadmoor’s former senior pastor decades ago, no action was taken (The Christian Post; SuperTalk Mississippi).
In 2022, the survivor disclosed Ingram's abuse to current church leaders, prompting Broadmoor to hire Guidepost Solutions for an independent investigation. The resulting report led MBI to begin its investigation into Ingram’s alleged crimes (The Baptist Record; SuperTalk Mississippi).
According to Broadmoor’s statement, the victim had approached church leaders multiple times since 2011, seeking justice and warning others about Ingram. Despite these efforts, there is no record of any action taken by the church at that time (Fox 40 Jackson).
Ingram, through his attorney, denies all allegations (SuperTalk Mississippi).
Church's Response and Legal Actions
Broadmoor Baptist's leadership expressed heartbreak over the survivor’s credible allegations. The church has offered support, stating they will assist in her defense should Ingram pursue legal action for breaching a non-disclosure agreement she signed when accepting financial compensation for therapy and medical costs.
"We believe this is right and Biblical – the harm occurred through our former youth pastor, which means it is our responsibility to pursue justice," the church stated (The Christian Post).
Second Allegation: Youth Ministry Abuse
After the Guidepost report was published, another woman came forward, alleging abuse by two men during her time in Broadmoor’s youth ministry. The woman reported that she informed Broadmoor’s then-youth pastor about the abuse, only to be accused of lying because she "would appear more upset if a sexual assault had actually occurred" (SuperTalk Mississippi).
The woman continued to attend recreation events at Broadmoor, where she encountered a 20-year-old recreation assistant who hid her in the gym to avoid attending youth group. During these times, the assistant, who was also a youth pastor at another church, repeatedly raped her, according to local media reports (Fox 40 Jackson).
When this abuse was discovered, a youth volunteer at Broadmoor allegedly asked the woman to leave the church, referring to the abuse as a "relationship".
Broadmoor Baptist’s Efforts and SBC’s Role
The woman reported her abuse to the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) as an adult. The SBC referred her back to Broadmoor, and the alleged abuser was confronted and subsequently left his church position (SuperTalk Mississippi).
In response to these new allegations, Broadmoor Baptist Church has reiterated its commitment to transparency and justice. The church’s actions have been commended in Guidepost Solutions' 73-page report, which highlights the leadership’s "openness and willingness to address and initiate this investigation" (Guidepost Solutions Report).
Ongoing Investigation
MBI spokesperson Bailey Martin confirmed the ongoing investigation into the second victim's allegations. “Due to this being an ongoing investigation, no further comment will be made,” Martin stated (The Christian Post).
Broadmoor Baptist Church continues to cooperate with authorities and support the survivors. The church acknowledges the severe failures of its past leadership and expresses a commitment to ensuring such abuses do not go unaddressed in the future.
About Broadmoor Baptist Church
Broadmoor Baptist Church, located in Madison, Mississippi, is currently under investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) for multiple cases of alleged sexual abuse. The church has taken steps to address these allegations, including hiring Guidepost Solutions for an independent investigation. The church's current leadership has been recognized for its dedication to transparency and justice in handling these serious matters (The Baptist Record; SuperTalk Mississippi).
Disclaimer:
The content of this article addresses sensitive topics related to allegations of sexual abuse within Broadmoor Baptist Church. The information provided is based on reports from credible sources, including investigative reports and survivor testimonies. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organization. This article aims to inform the public and support survivors of abuse. Readers are encouraged to seek professional counseling and legal advice if they have been affected by similar issues. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please contact local authorities or a trusted professional for assistance.
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