CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. A.C.(Chris) Stein resigned Feb. 26 from the position of Director of the Department for Human Resources and Management Services of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The resignation follows Stein's acknowlegement that he purchased a massage on two occasions while he was in Minneapolis on business.
According to the Rev. Robert N. Bacher, ELCA Executive for Administration, Stein "denies that any sexual misconduct occurred on either occasion, but also recognizes it would be difficult to continue serving effectively under the circumstances." Stein said Feb. 27 he had nothing to add to Bacher's comments.
A Twin Cities television reporter contacted the ELCA in the course of his work on a story about the owner of the Minneapolis- area escort service who was convicted of prostitution-related charges and sentenced Feb. 5.
KARE-TV reported that Stein's name and the name of the ELCA appeared on lists of credit card charges to the escort service put together by police investigators. The two charges date to 1994 and were for $260 each.
Bacher pointed out that use of an ELCA credit card for personal expenses is not in keeping with church policy. Stein said he reimbursed the church for the charges, according to Bacher. "I am looking into that," Bacher said.
The KARE report cited no other individual by name, though it showed viewers the list containing "hundreds of other names."
Bacher said, "Pastor Stein has made many contributions to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in his 10 years of churchwide service." Bacher said he will put in place interim leadership for the Department for Human Resources and Management Services.
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
