Misconduct Reporting
Synod Staff Available to Receive Reports
Bishop Felix Malpica
Rev. Dione Stepanek
Non-Synod Staff Available to Receive Reports:
Maureen Starmack (Synod Council Vice President)
Contact ELCA CHURCHWIDE Office
Prevention of Sexual Misconduct
Domestic Mission
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
8765 West Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631-4101
Phone
800- 638-3522, ext. 2699
Kendra Stea, MS, NCC Director, Misconduct Prevention
Phone: (773) 380-7142 or email safeplace@elca.org
Reporting Sexual Misconduct
Report to the La Crosse Area Synod 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 La Crosse Area Synod, 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.
Reporting Child Abuse
If it is an emergency, call the police at 911
Clergy are considered mandatory reporters of child sexual abuse in the State of Wisconsin & Minnesota.
Wisconsin
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. Additional guidance is found in this resource from the Wisconsin Council of Churches. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has links and clear instructions here.
Minnesota
For general questions regarding child protection, email DHS at Dhs.Child.Safety-Permanency@state.mn.us.
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. 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.
Stance on Misconduct
Sexual misconduct committed by congregational employees should be reported to the pastor, council president, or another 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.
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: La Crosse Area Synod Misconduct Policy
Resources
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Safe Gatherings
Online tools to build policies, run background checks and educate volunteers & staff to help prevent abuse of children, youth and vulnerable adults.
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Safe Sanctuaries
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.
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ELCA Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline Document
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.
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Cherish All Children
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.
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Church Mutual: Sexual Abuse Prevention Toolkit
This toolkit is designed for mission‑driven organizations that serve children, youth, older adults or other vulnerable populations, including houses of worship, nonprofits, camps, sports and outdoor recreation organizations, schools and community‑based organizations.
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Child & Building Safety Handout
Comprehensive guidance and best practices for churches to establish safety protocols for children, including volunteer vetting and communication strategies. It outlines essential physical security measures, such as access control and surveillance systems, alongside protocols for managing unknown individuals and interacting with law enforcement.
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Child & Youth Safety Policy Templage
Guide for organizations to develop comprehensive safety policies, focusing on abuse prevention, background checks, and general best practices for staff and volunteers. It also outlines building security measures and provides legal guidance for interacting with law enforcement to ensure the protection of children and staff.
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Safe Sanctuaries Policy Development Guide
Provides congregations with foundational tools for child safety, including volunteer vetting, abuse prevention training, and medical protocols. It also outlines physical security strategies, such as access control and surveillance, alongside legal guidance for managing unknown individuals and interacting with law enforcement.
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Incident Report Example and Template
Use this form to quickly record any accidents or safety concerns that happen during activities. It is designed to help you communicate clearly with leadership and ensure that every situation is handled with the proper care and follow-up.
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Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association Children's Health Resource
This resource helps distinguish between normal peer conflict and harmful misconduct by providing clear definitions and research on verbal, physical, and relational bullying. It focuses on abuse prevention by linking to organizations like the U.S. Center for SafeSport and offers holistic support through recovery materials and mental health resources for families.
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What the Wisconsin Law Means for Clergy & Congregations
Wisconsin law, requires members of certain professions to report instances where they believe a child has been abused or neglected or when a child might be at risk of such injuries.
Knowing the law in this area and what actions you need to take is of the utmost importance to the church’s role in caring for the most vulnerable among us.
