Reporting Misconduct
The Saint Paul Area Synod’s Sexual Misconduct Policy
All forms of sexual misbehavior by clergy and lay leaders with church members are unacceptable. 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 will take action to help prevent sexual abuse and misconduct within the synod.
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 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.
Saint Paul Area Synod Office
105 W. University Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55103-2094
Phone: 651-224-4313
ELCA Churchwide Office
ELCA Report Misconduct
Prevention of Sexual Misconduct
Domestic Mission
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
8765 West Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631-4101
Phone: 773-380-7142
safeplace@elca.org
How to Report Sexual Misconduct
Reporting Sexual Misconduct
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.
This synod has responsibility for addressing allegations of sexual abuse by rostered ministers (pastors and deacons), administering appropriate discipline, and responding to those who have been harmed. Policies and procedures in place in this synod provide for compassionate and resolute response to those wounded by rostered minister sexual misconduct, as well as appropriate discipline for those who offend.
Where to Report Rostered Minister Sexual Misconduct
Report to the Saint Paul Area Synod if this synod is:
a) where the misconduct occurred;
b) where the rostered minister (pastor or deacon) is currently located; or
c) where the victim is currently located.
The following synod staff are available to receive reports:
- Main Telephone | 651-224-4313
- The Rev. Justin Grimm – Bishop | Ext. 1009 | justin.grimm@spas-elca.org
- Deacon Krista Lind – Assistant to the Bishop | Ext. 1006 | krista.lind@spas-elca.org
- The Rev. Kirsten Fryer – Assistant to the Bishop | Ext. 1007 | kirsten.fryer@spas-elca.org
The following persons in this synod are also available to receive reports:
- The Rev. Bradley Schmeling | 651-699-1378 | prbradley@gloriadeistpaul.org
- The Rev. Karna Moskalik | 651-439-5704 | karna@oslcstillwater.org
How to Report Child Abuse
Reporting Child Abuse
Minnesota requires allegations of abuse against a minor to be reported immediately to the county or tribal social service agency where the child lives, regardless of confidentiality issues:
Anoka County: If you know or suspect that a child is in immediate danger (such as a recent sexual assault or a serious physical assault) or the child is abandoned, call 911. To report suspected abuse or neglect of a child living in Anoka County, call 763-324-1440.
Chisago County: If you know or suspect that a child is in immediate danger, call 911. If you are unsure and/or would prefer to speak to a Child Protection Social Worker, call Chisago County Child Protection at 651-213-5672 or submit a report online.
Dakota County: If you know or suspect that a child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, fill out a child maltreatment reporting form or call 952-891-7459; after working hours and on weekends call the Dakota County Crisis Response Unit at 952-891-7171.
Isanti County: If you know or suspect that a child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the Child Protection Social Worker on Intake at 763-689-1711 immediately. Complete the Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect Report Form within 72 hours of your oral report. Outside of regular business hours, contact the Isanti County Sheriff’s Department at 763-689-2141.
Scott County: If you know or suspect that a child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call Health and Human Services Central Intake at 952-496-8959 or complete the mandated reporters form. After hours reports can be made to your local law enforcement. The Scott County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 952-496-8300.
Ramsey County: If you know or suspect that a child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call 651-266-4500 during business hours. You can report suspected child maltreatment 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call even if you are not sure whether to make a report, and a child protection social worker will assist you. Fill out and mail, email CHS-CPIntake@ramseycounty.us or fax 651-266-3911 a written child abuse report.
Washington County: If you know or suspect that a child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call 651-430-6457 during business hours; after work hours call 651-291-6795 to reach the social worker on call.
How to Report Vulnerable Adult Abuse
The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) provides a toll-free number, 1-844-880-1574, to report suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults. A vulnerable adult can be anyone over age 18 who:
- Has a physical, mental or emotional disorder that makes it difficult for the person to care for themselves without help and to protect themselves from maltreatment
- Is in a hospital, nursing home, transitional care unit, assisted living, housing with services, board and care, foster care or other licensed care facility
- Receives services such as home care, day services, personal care assistance or other licensed services.
Maltreatment includes:
- Abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; use of restraints; involuntary seclusion or punishment
- Neglect, including failure to provide the food, shelter, clothing, health care or supervision necessary to maintain the person’s health, safety or comfort.
- Neglect may be by a caregiver or service provider, or because the vulnerable adult cannot meet their own needs
- Financial exploitation, including theft or withholding of money or property and/or use of money or property not for the vulnerable adult’s benefit.
Resources for Congregations
ELCA Resources
Synodical Resources
Other Resources
- Cherish All Children is a service of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota that equips congregations to prevent child sexual exploitation both within and beyond the congregation. It offers a wide variety of helpful resources including templates for safe church policies, curricula and conversation starters, prayer booklets, books and more. Learn more.
- Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Child Abuse in the Church by Joy Thornburg Melton
This 80-page book provides guidance for developing policies and procedures that reduce 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 and training sessions and an extensive bibliography are included. This book can be purchased from Amazon or Bookshop.org.
