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.

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INSIGHT

SBC's Dismissal of Abuse Allegations

Southern Baptist Convention leaders dismissed serious sexual abuse allegations against a pastor, focusing on forgiveness rather than accountability.
This reveals a systemic failure to protect victims and hold abusers accountable within the SBC.

ANECDOTE

Credible Abuse, SBC Hire

Mario Acacia was credibly accused of clergy sexual abuse but still hired by SBC for a prominent missionary role.
SBC leaders ignored allegations and a confidential confession, allowing him to continue ministry.

ANECDOTE

Maria's Hidden Abuse Story

Maria Acacia endured domestic abuse from her pastor husband while actively serving her church community.
Despite visible signs and hospitalizations, the abuse was largely unaddressed by her congregation.

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In the last episode of All the Buried Women, co-hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke explore the story behind a confidential letter in the SBC’S archives that leads to a pastor’s wife named Maria. They also look at the Southern Baptist Convention's decision to expel churches that ordain women, critiquing the rhetoric of unity and biblical authority used to justify the exclusion of women from leadership roles Last, the episode draws on the lost portrait of Saint Fabiola as a symbol of women's enduring resistance, urging listeners to recognize the hidden stories of women who continue to challenge oppressive structures in the church.

We reached out to the SBC, Paige Patterson, Darryl Gilyard, Tommy Gilmore, and the Council for National Policy for comment, and did not hear back.

All the Buried Women is presented by The Bible for Normal People.

Credits:

Hosts: Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke
Producer: Savannah Locke
Writing and Editing: Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke
Sound Editing and Music: Savannah Locke and Todd Locke
Introduction and Closing Song: Jaded by Savannah Locke
Special Thanks (in order of appearance): Leanne Friesen, CBOQ, and the many anonymous interviewees willing to share their memories of Maria
Partner Organization: The Bible for Normal People
Additional Thanks: Andy Clark, Systems Administrator within the University Libraries at Baylor University; Erin Smith, Marketing Manager at Baker Publishing Group; Jordan Corona; Dr. Taffey Hall, Director of the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives; Brittany Prescott, Podcast Producer for The Bible for Normal People; Adam McCullough, Archivist of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Gordon Heath, Director of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Rev. Leanne Friesen, Executive Minister of Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ) and CBOQ executive board; and Audrey and Alex from Lawyers for Reporters.

Social Media Links:

Follow us on Instagram: @alltheburiedwomen @bethallisonbarr @savannah_locke @thebiblefornormalpeople
Subscribe to Beth's Substack: https://bethallisonbarr.substack.com
Subscribe to Savannah's Substack: https://savannahlocke.substack.com

Promo Code:

Use code PODCAST40 to get 40% off Becoming the Pastor’s Wife until April 30th through Baker Publishing Group's Website: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/becoming-the-pastor-s-wife/414910

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