The largest evangelical denomination in the United States on Monday announced its initial recommendations for addressing revelations of widespread sexual abuse in Southern Baptist churches across the country.

“There is a problem,” said the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, J.D. Greear, according to his prepared remarks to the executive leadership of the denomination. “It’s time we back up our words with actions that demonstrate our concern about this.”

Nearly 400 Southern Baptist leaders have been accused of sexual misconduct or crimes against more than 700 victims since 1998, according to an investigation by The Houston Chronicle and The San Antonio Express-News published this month. Offenders included pastors, youth pastors and volunteers.

Mr. Greear called for a range of actions, including potential background checks before ordination, a task force to develop curriculum to train ministers about sexual abuse, and a possible database of offenders. A study group on sexual abuse, which was created last year, offered the proposals.