Reporting Misconduct
Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is a vital part of every ministry community. It is the responsibility of all members of the community to ensure a safe and healthy place to experience the Word of God and God's presence.
Behavior that crosses boundaries or violates our commitments to respect, integrity, and accountability harms the people of God and impedes the proclamation of the Gospel. Misconduct is not limited to sexual harassment or abuse; it includes harassment, bullying, hate speech, discriminatory actions, abuse of authority, financial impropriety, misuse of resources, and other conduct incompatible with the character of our community and ministry as set forth in Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline. Such behaviors—whether verbal, physical, digital, or organizational—harm relationships and erode trust. Reporting all forms of misconduct is essential to protect individuals and uphold the values of justice and care that define our shared life. Prompt reporting enables appropriate investigation, prevents escalation, and fosters a culture where accountability and restoration are possible. Silence allows harm to persist; speaking up is a vital act of stewardship, solidarity, and accountability.
All forms of sexual misbehavior by clergy and lay leaders with church members are unacceptable. 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 will take action to help prevent sexual abuse and misconduct within the synod.
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. These distinctions should not concern a person who is troubled about the sexual conduct of a pastor or deacon. 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.
Sexual misconduct committed by congregational employees should be reported to the pastor, council president, or other 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.
This synod has responsibility for addressing allegations of sexual abuse by rostered ministers (pastors and deacons), administering appropriate discipline, and responding to those who have been harmed. Policies and procedures in place in this synod provide for compassionate and resolute response to those wounded by rostered minister sexual misconduct, as well as appropriate discipline for those who offend.
Report misconduct to the Metropolitan Washington D.C. Synod if this is:
- where the misconduct occurred
- where the rostered minister (pastor or deacon) is currently located; or
- where the victim is currently located.
The following synod staff are available to receive reports:
- Main Telephone | 202-417-3678
- Philip Hirsch – Bishop | 202-417-3680 | phirsch@metrodcelca.org
- Amy Sevimli – Assistant to the Bishop | 202-417-3681 | asevimli@metrodcelca.org
- Katharyn Wheeler – Administrative Assistant to the Bishop | 202-417-3678 | kwheeler@metrodcelca.org
The following persons in this synod are also available to receive reports:
- Patrick Anderson – Synod Council Vice President | panderson@pnalaw.com
John Van de Weert – Synod Attorney | synodattorney@metrodcelca.org