How to Report Sexual Misconduct
Thank you for reaching out. It is important that the church be a safe place.
The following information will tell you where to report sexual misconduct by a rostered minister[1] serving in the Pacific Synod
If you believe that you have been a victim of sexual misconduct please reach out to either of the following.
Barbara Keller, ELCA Consultant on Prevention of Sexual Misconduct:
773-380-2568 OR Barbara.Keller@elca.org
OR
Bishop Dave Nagler
714-692-2791, Ext. 736 OR DaveNagler@pacificasynod.org
Called to be a safe place:
It is not your fault that this has happened to you. The responsibility belongs to the rostered minister of the church or other ministry leaders. The role they are asked to fulfill is meant to support those in their community of faith and this is a betrayal of that role. All forms of sexual misbehavior by clergy and leaders 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. You should know that all allegations will be responded to in a prompt and comprehensive manner; including support and care for the one bringing allegations forward; a thorough investigation; and concrete disciplinary actions where appropriate.
Reporting child abuse: if you believe that a minor has been subject to abuse
The States of California & Hawaii require allegations of abuse against a minor to be reported immediately. Please call local law enforcement or the following number(s).
California Abuse and Neglect Hotlines by County
| Imperial County | (760)-337-7750 |
| Orange County | (714)-940-1000 (800)-207-4464 |
| Riverside County | (800)-442-4918 (877)-922-4453 |
| San Bernardino County | (909)-384-9233 (800)-827-8724 |
| San Diego County | (858)-560-2191 (800)-344-6000 |
Hawaii Abuse and Neglect Hotline
Main island 808–832–5300
Neighbor Islands 888–380–3088
Reporting Dependent Adult and Elder Abuse
California
To report abuse, 1-833-401-0832, enter your 5-digit zip code to be connected.
Hawaii
To report abuse contact 808-832-5115.
What is sexual misconduct?
“Sexual Misconduct” occurs whenever a rostered minister commits sexual abuse against another person. “Sexual abuse” means rape; sexual assault; sexual harassment; sexual relations with a minor child or a person otherwise not capable of consent; sexual relations resulting from threats, intimidation, coercion, blackmail, extortion, or manipulation; and sexual relations (outside of marriage) between a rostered minister and a person with whom the rostered minister has a pastoral or supervisory relationship, including, but not limited to, an employee, volunteer, student, or counselee, or a person in the congregation or other ministry served by the rostered minister.
For more information on the Sexual Misconduct Policy of the Pacifica Synod click here.
ELCA resources (www.elca.org)
Safe Connections: (download here)
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.
Healing in Congregations after clergy sexual abuse (download here)
A resource to assist synod leaders and local congregations. This resource is offered to synod 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.
An ELCA Strategy for responding to sexual abuse in the church (download here)
A resource of shared learning of synods, seminaries, congregations, colleges, social ministry organizations and the churchwide expression.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
[1] Rostered ministers include pastors, deacons, Synod Authorized ministers, and seminary interns. Other denominations may use the terms minister, pastor, deacon, priest, or clergy.
