CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Ronald Hasley, 63, the former bishop of the Northern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), resigned as an ordained ELCA pastor May 7, following allegations that he engaged in improper sexual conduct and sexual contact with several adult women while he was bishop.
Hasley served as bishop of the ELCA Northern Illinois Synod, Rockford, from 1987-1998. Hasley was already retired and out of active pastoral ministry when the allegations were received, said the Rev. Gary M. Wollersheim, current bishop of the Northern Illinois Synod.
Several women made complaints, four of which are written, establishing that Hasley's actions, attitudes and language toward them violated the ELCA's expectations for ordained ministers, and constituted sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, according to a statement from the synod.
On April 28, the Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, and Wollersheim notified pastors and constituents of the synod of information received about Hasley. They noted that the behavior was "not in keeping with the church's expectation that every place of work and ministry be free of all forms of harassment, abuse or mistreatment of persons," according to the synod's statement.
Following receipt of the complaints, Hasley signed an agreement prohibiting his exercising pastoral ministry in the synod or elsewhere while remaining on the clergy roster as a retired pastor. On May 7, he resigned from the ELCA's clergy roster.
"The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is committed to be a safe place for all persons in all of its expressions congregations, synod and the churchwide organization," said Wollersheim. "Our church does not tolerate misconduct. We offer our synod's support for those who came forward, and I pray all concerned will know God's healing and renewal."
"I am very sorry," Hasley said. "Furthermore, I regret that my actions have caused difficulties for the congregations and staff of the Northern Illinois Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. My hope is that the disclosure action will begin a healing process."
Pastoral care and support have been offered to all concerned, including the women who came forward with complaints, and Hasley and his family, Wollersheim added.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.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
