All the Buried Women
Episode 5 - She Refused to Take the Bed
Apr 10, 2025
A hidden letter in the Southern Baptist Convention's archives reveals the harrowing story of a pastor's wife, Maria, highlighting a troubling history of abuse and neglect. The conversation critiques the SBC's male-centric leadership restrictions and calls for accountability amid ongoing sexual abuse crises. Maria's courageous journey through domestic abuse and her fight for divorce are celebrated as symbols of resilience. The episode also draws parallels to St. Fabiola, exploring women's enduring resistance within both art and the church.
57:17
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The podcast reveals the Southern Baptist Convention's troubling pattern of prioritizing institutional preservation over supporting victims of abuse, exemplified by the case of Maria Acacia.
- The ongoing decision to limit women's leadership roles within the SBC reflects deeper systemic barriers, highlighting the persistence of patriarchal structures in faith communities.
Deep dives
The Discovery of a Confidential Letter
The archives of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) are filled with numerous mundane documents, but one letter discovered by researcher Beth Allison Barr stood out dramatically. This letter, marked as confidential, contained accusations of sexual and spousal abuse against a pastor named Mario Acacia. It highlighted the realities of abuse that occurred under his pastoral authority and revealed a troubling pattern where the SBC chose to protect the accused rather than support the victim. This discovery underscored the ongoing failures of the SBC to address past abuse cases and set the stage for understanding the current climate surrounding women's issues within the church.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
