ELCA NEWS SERVICE April 12, 2004 ELCA Statement on Texas Civil Case The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is thankful to have reached a settlement in a civil case that arose due to the criminal conduct of former pastor Gerald Thomas. We continue to pray for all who have been adversely affected by this disturbing case, and we ask your prayers for the victims of Thomas and for the congregation that he once served in Marshall, Texas. This lawsuit has been deeply troubling to all involved and we acknowledge its seriousness. Prior to Thomas' arrest, the ELCA was unaware of the former pastor's reprehensible conduct toward the plaintiffs in the case. Nevertheless, the ELCA is deeply sorry that anyone was victimized by Gerald Thomas. The ELCA is grateful that, with the cooperation of its insurance carriers, its share of the total settlement payment is being funded without adversely affecting the mission and ministry of this church. In reaching its settlement, the ELCA admitted to no wrongdoing by the church. It is our understanding that, as of this date, not all of the parties to the civil lawsuit have been able to reach an out-of- court settlement with the plaintiffs. Therefore, it would be entirely inappropriate for us to comment on the specific allegations made in this case. If a trial does proceed, we ask that the public keep an open mind about this matter until all of the evidence has been heard and a verdict reached. Allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with children by ELCA clergy are very rare. Molestation of children is a crime, and the ELCA cooperates fully with law enforcement authorities when incidents do occur. The ELCA urges its congregations and members to immediately report cases of suspected child sexual abuse to local authorities. The ELCA seeks compliance with all states' laws regarding the reporting of child abuse. The ELCA does not tolerate cases of sexual abuse involving clergy. The ELCA's clergy standards policy states: "Ordained ministers are expected to reject sexual promiscuity, the manipulation of others for purposes of sexual gratification, and all attempts at sexual seduction and sexual harassment, including taking physical or emotional advantage of others." When ELCA bishops are presented with allegations of improper conduct by pastors, they investigate the matters promptly. If there is credible evidence to support the charges, the bishop will immediately seek the pastor's resignation from the ELCA's clergy roster. ELCA bishops do not have authority to reassign clergy and they do not move known perpetrators to other ministry locations. Candidates for ordained ministry in the ELCA go through an extended process of study and evaluation. To our knowledge, no other pastor who has completed the ELCA candidacy process has ever been accused of the conduct for which Thomas was convicted in Texas. Still, in a continuing effort to guard against such tragedies, the ELCA will review its guidelines and procedures for candidacy for the ordained ministry. -- -- -- The related news release is at http://www.elca.org/Scriptlib/CO/ELCA_News/encArticleList.asp?a=2794 on the ELCA Web site. For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news