wfn.org | ELCA presiding bishop comments on abuse of persons

[FRANK_IMHOFF.parti@ecunet.org (FRANK IMHOFF)]

Ex-synod leader admits sexual harassment, resigns

CHICAGO, United States of America/GENEVA, 8 June 1999 (lwi) - The
presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
and the Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA, have said that the behavior
of a former synod bishop, who has now resigned from the clergy following
allegations of improper sexual conduct while he was in office, was "not
in keeping with the church's expectation that every place of work and
ministry be free of all forms of harassment, abuse or mistreatment of
persons."

According to the ELCA News, the synod's current bishop Rev. Gary M.
Wollersheim and bishop Anderson in a statement on April 28 1999,
notified the synod pastors and constituents of information received
about Ronald Hasley.

The ELCA News reports that Hasley, 63, the former bishop of the Northern
Illinois Synod, resigned as an ordained ELCA pastor on 7 May 1999,
following allegations that he engaged in improper sexual conduct and
sexual contact with several adult women while he was bishop.

Hasley served as synod bishop of the ELCA Northern Illinois Synod,
Rockford, from 1987 to 1998.  He was already retired and out of active
pastoral ministry when the allegations were received, Rev. Wollersheim
said.

Several women made complaints, four of which are written, establishing
that Hasley's actions, attitudes and language toward them violated the
ELCA's expectations for ordained ministers, and constituted sexual
harassment and sexual misconduct, according to a statement from the
synod.

Following receipt of the complaints, Hasley had signed an agreement
prohibiting his exercising pastoral ministry in the synod or elsewhere
while remaining on the clergy roster as a retired pastor.

"The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is committed to be a safe
place for all persons in all of its expressions, congregations, synod
and the churchwide organization," said Wollersheim. "Our church does not
tolerate misconduct.  We offer our synod's support for those who came
forward, and I pray all concerned will know God's healing and renewal,"
the current bishop is quoted as saying.

According to the ELCA News, Hasley said he was "very sorry" and
regretted that his "actions have caused difficulties for the
congregations and staff of the Northern Illinois Synod and the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America." The former bishop added: "My
hope is that the disclosure action will begin a healing process."

Pastoral care and support have been offered to all concerned, including
the women who came forward with complaints, as well as to Hasley and his
family, Wollersheim said.

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