A former theology professor is suing Baptist News Global (BNG), claiming the outlet falsely accused him of sexual misconduct during an abuse scandal involving Truett McConnell University in Georgia. Jeremy Lyon, who taught Old Testament and Hebrew, says BNG defamed him in June 2025 reports by publishing fabricated claims of sexual abuse. The lawsuit states that BNG failed to verify the information and did not contact Lyon before publishing it.
Disputed Letter at Heart of Defamation Lawsuit
The defamation suit centers on a letter reportedly sent by a law firm to Truett McConnell’s administration. BNG cited the letter in its reporting, saying it included allegations against Lyon in connection with a broader abuse scandal at the university. However, Lyon’s attorneys argue that the letter may not have come from an actual law firm and that no formal complaint exists against Lyon. The source of the letter remains anonymous, and it lacks identifying information. The law firm named Shein, Brandenburg & Schrope has not commented.
Baptist News Global Defends Its Reporting
Despite the legal claims, BNG’s editor, Mark Wingfield, publicly defended the outlet’s reporting. He said BNG adheres to high journalistic standards and emphasized its ongoing work in exposing abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). BNG has been a vocal outlet during the SBC’s broader abuse reckoning. Wingfield suggested that lawsuits like Lyon’s are attempts to undermine credible reporting on abuse within the denomination.
Lyon Alleges Career and Personal Harm
Lyon claims the fallout from the articles has severely damaged his career and reputation. According to the lawsuit, he lost adjunct positions at several institutions and was removed as president of the Creation Theology Society. He is now working a retail job at a reduced income. Lyon “categorically denies” the accusations from 2021 and 2022 and asserts that BNG’s reporting caused long-term harm.
Fourth Defamation Suit Tied to SBC Abuse Crisis
Lyon’s case is the fourth defamation lawsuit linked to the SBC abuse scandal. Other high-profile figures, including former SBC President Johnny Hunt and professor David Sills, also filed lawsuits after being named in abuse-related reports. Lyon, however, is the first to sue a media outlet rather than the denomination or its leadership.
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Former professor sues Baptist publication for defamation over abuse allegations reports
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