Report Misconduct

 
Reporting Child Abuse
In the United States most states require allegations of abuse against a minor to be reported immediately to state authorities. The ELCA encourages immediately reporting to the civil authorities all instances of child abuse regardless of personal confidentiality issues. Each state has a different mandatory reporting process. You should call local law enforcement authorities or go to your state government website and find the appropriate office for reporting child abuse.

Reporting Sexual Misconduct in the ELCA
Sexual misconduct committed by congregational employees should be reported to the pastor, council president, or other congregation officer. Congregations are encouraged to have policies in place for addressing allegations against church staff and to respond with compassion and care to anyone reporting abuse by clergy or lay ministers.

Synods of this church usually have responsibility for addressing allegations of clergy sexual abuse, administering appropriate discipline, and responding to those who have been harmed. Procedures and policies in place in the synods of this church provide for compassionate and resolute response to those wounded by clergy sexual misconduct, and appropriate discipline for those who offend.

Where to report clergy sexual misconduct
1. The synod where the misconduct occurred
2. The synod where the pastor is currently located
3. The synod where the victim is currently located

Contacting the synod or congregation
To find the name and contact information for a synod, click here.
To find the name and contact information for a congregation, click here.

Additional contact
For further assistance, please call 800-638-3522, ext. 2568, or 610-308-3428 or e-mail SafePlace@elca.org.