Report Misconduct

​​The Church needs to be a safe place for all.
Every level of the Church and every agency and congregation affiliated with the Church must be free of sexual misconduct. When God’s gift of sexuality is used faithfully, the Church is a safe place for all to worship, learn, work, play, and be helped in a manner that is free from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.  When the Church becomes an unsafe place, the integrity of the Gospel is impaired, particularly among those who are victimized.

Because pastors and deacons (rostered leaders) are in a position of power, they should not violate another person’s spiritual, emotional or physical well-being.  On the contrary, rostered leaders have the responsibility of protecting the boundaries of persons, especially those who are vulnerable. Young people, as well as individuals experiencing life crisis situations like grief, family conflict, or emotional turmoil of marital conflict, separation or divorce, are especially vulnerable to victimization.
What does sexual misconduct within the Church include?
  • Sexual advance, which may or may not include sexual intercourse
  • Requests for sexual favors
  • Implied or blatant threats
  • Innuendo, humor, and jokes about sex or gender-specific traits
  • Suggestive or insulting whistling, gesturing, or leering
  • Offensive contact (patting, pinching, brushing against the body), attempted or actual fondling or kissing, or any other form of sexualized behavior, including intercourse
  • Requiring submission to sexual conduct or communication in order to obtain the services of the Church, or to be employed there
  • Sexual conduct, or communication that interferes with employment or the services received from the Church or those affiliated with the Church
  • Other sexual contact or communication that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment
​Reporting Sexual Misconduct
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 (ordained clergy and deacons), administering appropriate discipline, and responding to those who have been harmed.  ​Policies and procedures in place in this synod provides for compassionate and resolute response to those wounded by rostered minister sexual misconduct, and appropriate discipline for those who offend.

  • Notify the bishop’s office directly, either by phone or in person. If it is not possible to notify directly, send a signed letter stating the complaint to the bishop’s office. Anonymous information can be received.
                 Alaska Synod ELCA
                 1847 W. Northern Lights Blvd. #2 Anchorage, AK 99517-3343
                 (907) 272-8899   fax: (907) 274-3141

  • If the allegations are against the Synodical bishop:
                 www.elca.org/Our-Work/Leadership/Vocation-Become-a-Leader/Report-Misconduct
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  • When physical force is used, or there is an active safety concern for the victim, the allegation should be reported to the Alaska State Troopers or the local Police Department for legal protection and referral.​
Sexual Misconduct Policy
 of the Alaska Synod 
Sexual Misconduct Policy
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File Type: pdf
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Any sexual misconduct is damaging and will in no way be tolerated
​by this synod.