Latest news with #RachaelDenhollander
New York Times
9 hours ago
- New York Times
Whistle-Blower Who Ignited Sexual Abuse Reckoning Among Southern Baptists Dies
Jennifer Lyell, a former executive at a Southern Baptist publishing house who became an early whistle-blower against sexual abuse in her denomination, died on Saturday in Nashville. Her death took place as thousands of Southern Baptists began arriving in Dallas for their denomination's annual meeting this week. The urgency to confront sexual abuse in the denomination has waned since Ms. Lyell spoke out in 2019 about what she described as ongoing abuse by a professor at a Southern Baptist seminary. Ms. Lyell died at 47 after a series of 'massive strokes,' according to Rachael Denhollander, an activist and lawyer who has represented Ms. Lyell and was a close friend. Ms. Denhollander and other friends said Ms. Lyell's health had declined precipitously since she publicly reported her alleged abuse, making her the subject of intense criticism within the denomination. Ms. Lyell's activism ignited an agonized reckoning over sexual abuse among the Southern Baptists, the country's largest Protestant denomination, that eventually led to a damning investigation and multiple lawsuits. But it came at a high personal price, with critics accusing Ms. Lyell of exaggerating her claims and the seminary professor she accused of abuse filing a defamation lawsuit against her. 'It takes years and years to recover from trauma, and no one should be in the position of having to explain it to the whole public while they're still trying to do that,' she told Religion News Service in 2021. Ms. Lyell was a vice president at the Southern Baptist Convention's publishing arm, Lifeway Christian Resources, when she disclosed to her superior in 2018 that a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary had first 'sexually acted' against her in 2004 on a mission trip, when she was a student. She also shared her account with R. Albert Mohler Jr., the seminary's president. The professor she accused, David Sills, resigned within days. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center announces Fifth Annual Women of Courage Luncheon
Apr. 17—MIDLAND — The Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center is excited to announce the Fifth Annual Women of Courage Luncheon, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29 at the Midland Country Club. The event aims to raise awareness of sexual assault and provide support for those who have been victimized while also promoting prevention and strengthening the center's coordinated efforts. Each year, the Women of Courage Luncheon honors the voices of survivors and highlights the ongoing work to protect vulnerable children. This year, they welcome Rachael Denhollander as the keynote speaker. Denhollander is a trailblazer in the fight for justice, known for being the first woman to publicly speak out and pursue criminal charges against USA Gymnastics' team doctor Larry Nassar. Her courageous stand not only led to her own personal healing but also to a movement in which more than 300 women, including Olympic medalists, came forward with their own stories of abuse. Denhollander's bravery in holding Nassar accountable helped expose systemic failures, a news release said. Denhollander has extensive experience working with corporate boards, executive leadership, and politicians to help them understand how to lead with courage and integrity through crisis, how to communicate their values within their organizations and to the public, and how to properly respond to reports of abuse. She has advised the boards of some of the nation's largest universities as they seek to address failures to adequately respond to abuse on their campuses. With extensive experience in the political realm, she has proven an effective advocate in helping push through vital legislative changes at the state level to make it easier for survivors of abuse to obtain justice. For her work as an advocate and educator on sexual assault, Denhollander was named one of TIME Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World" and one of Glamour Magazine's "Women of the Year" in 2018. Additionally, she received the "Inspiration of the Year" award from Sports Illustrated, was a joint recipient of ESPN's "Arthur Ashe Courage Award," and was named a "Michiganian of the Year" by the Detroit News, along numerous other awards and recommendations. "We are deeply honored to have Rachael Denhollander as our keynote speaker for the Fifth Annual Women of Courage Luncheon," Michelle Estes, Board President of the Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center, said in a news release. "Her unwavering commitment to justice and her tireless advocacy for survivors has not only brought about change in the sports world but also sparked a national conversation about accountability, healing, and prevention. Rachael's story is one of profound courage, and we are privileged to have her share it with our community." Women of Courage serve as ambassadors for children affected by abuse, working to increase community awareness, promote prevention efforts, and financially support the Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center's vital work. For ticket information, click here. Proceeds from the luncheon will directly benefit the center's efforts to provide life-saving services and support to children and families affected by abuse.
