Christian Writing Conferences Uncover an Onslaught of Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Allegations and complaints of sexual misconduct toward women in the Christian writing and publishing industry have recently come to light. 

According to Publishers Weekly, accusers have come forward with claims ranging from “accidental” touching to being pinned against walls and groped, and from inappropriate “mentoring” relationships to requests for sexual favors.

The list of men in the Christian publishing arena who have recently been accused of sexual misconduct, includes publishing professional Dennis Hensley, literary agent Chip MacGregor, magazine editor Ben Wolf, and writing mentor Jeff Gerke.

In late 2017 Christian writers conference directors contacted one another to discuss attendees’ recent reports of unwanted sexual advances. By January 2018, the directors were able to detect behavioral patterns and pinpoint the names of abusers. Now they are taking action.

In July, one of the accusers, Dennis Hensley, faced allegations which led to his resignation from Taylor University in Upland, Ind. Hensley was frequently in attendance at Christian writers conferences and directed the Professional Writing program at Taylor University. Reportedly, Hensley resigned from his post at Taylor due to an investigation into what the university called “significant and credible allegations of serious misconduct.”

Publisher’s Weekly reports that…