How to Report Misconduct

All forms of sexual misbehavior by clergy and lay leaders 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.

Because the church is called to be a safe place, this synod intends to take whatever measures it can to help prevent sexual abuse and misconduct within the synod. The synod’s sexual misconduct policy can be found here: Policy for Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Misconduct Against Rostered Ministers.

What is Sexual 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 deacon facing ecclesiastical discipline. These distinctions should not concern a person who is troubled about the sexual conduct of a pastor or deacon. 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 minister 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 synod office should be notified of all cases of inappropriate sexual behavior in the congregation.

Reporting Child Abuse

To report a case of child abuse or neglect, contact the county or tribe where the child or child’s family lives. If the agency is not known, contact the closest county. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has links and clear instructions here.

Clergy are considered mandatory reporters of child sexual abuse in the State of Wisconsin. Additional guidance is found in this resource from the Wisconsin Council of Churches.

Reporting Sexual Misconduct

Report to the East Central Synod of Wisconsin if this synod is

• where the misconduct occurred

• where the rostered minister (ordained clergy or deacon) is currently located

• where the victim is currently located.

If the report should be filed in another synod or congregation outside the East Central Synod of Wisconsin, you are free to contact us; however, we may need to refer the matter to the synod in which the event occurred. For other contacts, see the ELCA website for a drop down menu on whom to contact.

What Will You Hear When You Make a Report?

Our synod keeps an updated list of people to contact to report misconduct by a rostered minister. These contacts–the bishop, members of synod staff, and lay leaders–receive ongoing training in how to receive and follow up on reports. Reports can pertain to any kind of misconduct or behavior unbecoming a rostered minister; Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline describes particular areas of concern for rostered minister conduct, including sexual misconduct. 

While every conversation is different, there are some phrases and questions misconduct reporters are likely to hear; these come out of training and best practices for receiving misconduct reports. Having an idea of what to expect can be helpful for people reporting misconduct.  

A person who calls to report misconduct may hear: 

• “Thank you for making this call.”

• It’s so important for the church and the wider community that we know when pastors and deacons are causing harm, so we can intervene. We know it can be difficult to make that call and share that experience; thank you for your courage and trust.   

• “We will be following up.”

• The church takes clergy misconduct seriously, which means we have to follow up when we receive a report. Sometimes that follow up results in a public disciplinary process; sometimes the process involves fewer people and an intervention other than discipline can be used.  

• We will not use your name when investigating and following up on your report, but we can’t guarantee anonymity. We will be clear with all parties that reprisal is unacceptable and grounds for disciplinary action. 

• “What can you share with me about what’s going on?”

• What you share, when you share it, and whom you share it with is up to you. If you’re comfortable sharing details, that’s very helpful for our follow up efforts. 

• “What would you like to see happen?”

• We can’t promise a particular outcome, but it’s helpful to know what your hoped-for outcome would be. 

• “Do you have someone you can talk to for care and support?”

• One of the many difficult things about clergy misconduct is that you might not have another pastor or deacon to talk to about what’s going on and how it’s impacting you. If you would like, we can arrange for a pastor or deacon who is open to meeting with you, listening and praying together. 

• “Is there anyone else I should talk to?”

• If you can, encourage others to connect with us to share their experiences, or share contact information with us of people who we can call to learn more. 

• “You will hear from us.”

• We’re not able to share everything with you about the process that follows making your report. We will follow up with you, however, to let you know our work is proceeding. 
  

ELCA Resources

The normative expectations of this church for its rostered ministers focus on faithful and effective exercise of ministerial leadership. In all matters of morality and personal ethics this church expects its rostered ministers to be exemplary in conduct. The document Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline fully explains these explanations.

A list of resources to help individuals and congregations understand how to respond to and prevent sexual misconduct, including sample congregational policies, is available here: Sexual Misconduct Prevention.

Risk Management – This resource page provides you a visual way to explore and download the many types of resources the ELCA has available. You may also use their powerful search engine to find other resources not listed here. Church Mutual now makes all of its Safety Resources available to all ELCA congregations!

Other Resources

Cherish All Children is an ELCA ministry that equips congregations to prevent child sexual exploitation. The heart of this ministry lies in congregations, where staff, leaders, and members pray, educate, connect with others, and act on behalf of children within and outside their congregations.  Cherish All Children has tips, practical examples and a suggested structure for developing a Cherish All Children team. The website also has resources for safe church policies, prayer booklets, books, and Internet resources.

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 can be purchased from Amazon.