wfn.org | ELCA Human Resources Director Resigns

[ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

February 28, 1997

ELCA HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR RESIGNS
97-07-018-AH

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. A.C.(Chris) Stein resigned Feb.
26 from the position of Director of the Department for Human
Resources and Management Services of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America.  The resignation follows Stein's
acknowlegement that he purchased a massage on two occasions while
he was in Minneapolis on business.
     According to the Rev. Robert N. Bacher, ELCA Executive for
Administration, Stein "denies that any sexual misconduct occurred
on either occasion, but also recognizes it would be difficult to
continue serving effectively under the circumstances."  Stein
said Feb. 27 he had nothing to add to Bacher's comments.
     A Twin Cities television reporter contacted the ELCA in the
course of his work on a story about the owner of the Minneapolis-
area escort service who was convicted of prostitution-related
charges and sentenced Feb. 5.
     KARE-TV reported that Stein's name and the name of the ELCA
appeared on lists of credit card charges to the escort service
put together by police investigators.  The two charges date to
1994 and were for $260 each.
     Bacher pointed out that use of an ELCA credit card for
personal expenses is not in keeping with church policy.  Stein
said he reimbursed the church for the charges, according to
Bacher.  "I am looking into that," Bacher said.
     The KARE report cited no other individual by name, though it
showed viewers the list containing "hundreds of other names."
     Bacher said, "Pastor Stein has made many contributions to
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in his 10 years of
churchwide service."   Bacher said he will put in place interim
leadership for the Department for Human Resources and Management
Services.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html