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Jennifer Lyell, a prominent voice for abuse survivors and a leading figure in Christian publishing, has passed away at the age of 47. Lyell suffered a series of debilitating strokes in late May and died peacefully on June 7, surrounded by loved ones.
A former publishing executive and a survivor of clergy abuse, Lyell’s name became nationally known in 2019 after she bravely shared her story of abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Her advocacy helped ignite much-needed conversations around power dynamics, accountability, and the institutional failures that often follow allegations of abuse in faith communities.
From Editor to Advocate
Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Lyell earned a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Seminary. Her career in Christian publishing saw her rise to vice president at Lifeway Christian Resources, where she played a crucial role in the development of over a dozen New York Times bestselling titles. She became one of the highest-ranking women in the SBC’s publishing wing.
Despite professional success, Lyell’s life would take a devastating turn. In 2019, she publicly accused David Sills, a former seminary professor, of grooming and abusing her over the span of 12 years, starting when she was a student. Instead of support, she was initially vilified. The Baptist Press mischaracterized the abuse as a “morally inappropriate relationship,” a framing that deeply harmed her reputation, cost her career opportunities, and impacted her health.
Lyell faced immense scrutiny—not just for speaking up, but for doing so against a powerful institution. The backlash was swift, and it would take years for the truth to be acknowledged.
A Hard-Won Apology and National Reckoning
Lyell remained steadfast in her pursuit of justice. In 2022, after mounting public pressure and growing awareness of mishandled abuse claims in the SBC, the Convention’s Executive Committee issued a formal apology. The statement acknowledged the harm caused to Lyell and committed to correcting its earlier missteps.
Her courage helped break open long-suppressed conversations about abuse in religious institutions, especially around the systemic failures that protect perpetrators and silence survivors.
“Jennifer passed gently into the arms of her Redeemer,” shared friend and fellow advocate Rachael Denhollander. “Her life was a beacon of courage and her faith unwavering, even when it came at great personal cost.”
A Personal Mission Rooted in Faith
Lyell’s advocacy work wasn’t confined to her own story. She championed the rights of survivors across denominational lines, encouraging others to speak out and seek justice. In a 2021 interview, she shared the emotional cost of telling the truth:
“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.”
Through her platform, she sought to make institutions safer for the vulnerable and to help others find healing in the face of betrayal.
A Legal Battle Unfinished
At the time of her death, Lyell was still entangled in legal proceedings. David Sills and his wife had filed a defamation lawsuit against her, with a trial date scheduled for February 2026. Lyell had consistently stood by her account, and the case remained a symbol of the challenges survivors face long after their trauma is exposed.
Honoring Her Legacy
Jennifer Lyell’s life was one marked by bravery, compassion, and an unwavering belief in truth. She navigated the complex intersection of faith, justice, and personal pain with grace that resonated with thousands.
Her passing leaves a significant void—not just in the Southern Baptist Convention, but in the broader movement for survivor justice. Yet her story continues to inspire. Survivors credit Lyell with giving them the courage to come forward, and her fight has spurred institutional reform in one of America’s largest religious denominations.
As the church continues to grapple with its legacy of silence, Jennifer Lyell’s voice remains a guiding light. In life and in death, she reminded us of the cost of speaking truth—but also of its enduring power.
May she rest in peace. May her voice never be forgotten.
