Report Misconduct

Where to report clergy sexual misconduct: 

Contact Barbara Keller at 773-380-2568, or email.

Called to be a safe place

Addressing sexual misconduct in our church

All forms of sexual misbehavior by clergy and lay leaders with church members are unacceptable within the life of the church. The church should be a safe place where people can worship, learn, work, love and receive care in a manner that is free from sexual misconduct.

Early in the life of the ELCA, this church expressed clearly its intention to take whatever measures it could to help prevent sexual abuse and misconduct within the ELCA. In other words, the church is called to be a safe place.

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 congregational 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 leaders.

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: 

Contact Barbara Keller at 773-380-2568, or email.

What is misconduct?

Sexual misconduct: Federal and state laws make distinctions among various types of sexual misconduct, such as “sexual harassment,” “sexual abuse,” and “sexual assault.” Similarly, the governing documents of the ELCA define what types of sexual misconduct can result in a pastor or other rostered person facing ecclesiastical discipline. These distinctions should not concern a person who is troubled about the sexual conduct of a pastor or rostered layperson. This church is concerned about all types of sexual misconduct by these individuals, regardless of whether or how the misconduct is characterized by the law or by the governing documents of the ELCA.

Any time a minister uses his or her position in the church for personal sexual gratification it is a misuse of the pastoral office and a betrayal of the nature of the pastoral relationship. Any sexual misconduct committed by a rostered church leader should be reported to the appropriate synod, including, but not limited to, any sexual contact between the rostered person and a congregant, counselee, employee or volunteer. It should be noted that the synod may not be able to assume primary responsibility for addressing all allegations of sexual misconduct. For example, law enforcement authorities would have responsibility for investigating and addressing criminal allegations, while congregations would have to deal with accusations of sexual harassment by the congregation's employees. Nevertheless, the appropriate synod office should be notified of all cases of inappropriate sexual behavior in the congregation.

Any suspected sexual contact with a minor must be reported to the appropriate governmental agency as required by state laws concerning reporting of child abuse.

ELCA resources

Safe Connections: What parishioners can do to understand and prevent clergy sexual abuse.

Healthy relationships of trust and respect between laity and clergy are essential for carrying out the mission of the church. This resource can assist in creating and maintaining strong, creative and healthy relationships of integrity and safety, for the sake of our common ministry to the gospel of Christ Jesus and to the people of God. 

This resource is offered to synodical bishops and their staffs, to other clergy and lay leaders, interims and “after pastors,” including those who will provide on-site leadership for a period of time in congregations after the incidence of clergy sexual abuse.

A resource of shared learning of synods, seminaries, congregations, colleges, social ministry organizations and the churchwide expression.

Other resources

• Reducing the Risk: Making Your Church Safe from Child Sexual Abuse by Christian Ministry Resources
  This kit is produced by Christian Ministry Resources and includes:
  • DVD: The DVD communicates the menace child sexual abuse poses and the need for your congregation to take action. It includes testimonials of victims, congregational leaders and experts to alert congregations to the problem. It also illustrates procedures that can be used to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse and offers a convenient way to educate leaders, workers and congregations.
  • Guide book: This 75-page guide offers a blueprint for a prevention plan. It provides detailed guidance on enlisting the support of key congregational leaders, formulating policies and procedures, hiring and training workers (paid and volunteer), and implementing a plan at the local congregation. The book is filled with illustrations and examples and includes sample screening forms.
  • Training Manual: Effective education is the heart of a successful prevention program. The training manual provides insights and guidance on how to use the resource kit to educate and train congregational leaders, workers and the congregation.

This kit can be purchased through Christian Ministry Resources, P. O. Box 2301, Matthews, NC 28106; Phone: 800-222-1840; www.churchlawtoday.com or www.reducingtherisk.com.

• Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Child Abuse in the Church by Joy Thornburg Melton
  This 80-page book provides guidance to help develop policies and procedures for reducing the risk of child abuse in the church. The book defines the scope of child abuse, outlines the different types of abuse, notes the indicators of abuse, discusses the legal requirements for reporting abuse, and provides guidelines for screening and hiring workers and volunteers. The book also outlines basic procedures of safe ministry with children and youth and outlines a congregational plan for responding to allegations of abuse. Sample forms included for screening workers, requiring background checks, doing reference checks and reporting suspected abuse. A suggested training session plan for people who work with children and youth is outlined, and a bibliography of suggested resources is included.

This book (order number DR220) can be purchased from Discipleship Resources, Nashville, Tennessee; Phone: 800-972-0433; www.upperroom.org/bookstore

Contact Us

Phone: 773-380-2568
Email: For general questions or comments, please contact email.