Paul Williams

Overview

Paul Williams was a minister of prayer and special projects at Bellevue Baptist Church, a major Southern Baptist megachurch. In 2006, an internal church investigation revealed that Williams had sexual…

Description

Paul Williams was a minister of prayer and special projects at Bellevue Baptist Church, a major Southern Baptist megachurch. In 2006, an internal church investigation revealed that Williams had sexually abused his son over a period of 12-18 months, beginning in 1990 when his son was an adolescent. Williams admitted to and was convicted of the sexual abuse. According to the investigation, church leaders including the current pastor, Reverend Steve Gaines, learned about the abuse but did not immediately report it to authorities. The abuse only came to light in December 2005 after Williams’ son prodded Pastor Gaines to explain why his father was still allowed to serve as a minister. Williams was subsequently fired from his position at the church.