Reporting Child
Abuse
In the United States most states require allegations of abuse
against a minor to be reported immediately to state authorities.
The ELCA encourages immediately reporting to the civil
authorities all instances of child abuse regardless of personal confidentiality issues. Each state has a
different mandatory reporting process. You should call local law
enforcement authorities or go to your state government website and
find the appropriate office for reporting child abuse.
Reporting Sexual Misconduct in the
ELCA
Sexual misconduct committed by congregational employees should
be reported to the pastor, council president, or other
congregation 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 ministers.
Synods of this church usually have responsibility for
addressing allegations of clergy sexual abuse, administering
appropriate discipline, and responding to those who have been
harmed. Procedures and policies in place in the synods of this
church provide for compassionate and resolute response to those
wounded by clergy sexual misconduct, and appropriate discipline for
those who offend.
Where to report clergy sexual
misconduct
1. The synod where the misconduct occurred
2. The synod where the pastor is currently located
3. The synod where the victim is currently located
Contacting the synod or
congregation
To find the name and contact information for a synod,
click
here.
To find the name and contact information for a congregation,
click here.
Additional contact
For further assistance, please call 800-638-3522 ext. 2568,
1-610-308-3428 or
e-mail
SafePlace@elca.org. |
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