Called to Be a Safe Place: Updated ELCA Misconduct Reporting Resources

The Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA remains committed to creating a church that is safe, accountable, and rooted in justice. To support this commitment, we want to make you aware of updated information about how to report clergy sexual misconduct and where to access our Synod’s official misconduct policy.

If you or someone you know has concerns about inappropriate sexual behavior by a pastor or rostered leader, please take action.

To report clergy sexual misconduct:

• Contact Bishop Deborah Hutterer directly at 602-881-2963 or dhutterer@gcsynod.org

• Contact Kendra Stea, MS, NCC, Director of Misconduct Prevention for the ELCA, at 773-380-7142 or safeplace@elca.org

You can also visit the Grand Canyon Synod’s misconduct reporting page for all current policies and contacts: gcsynod.org/misconduct

The Grand Canyon Synod’s Statement of Policy Regarding Sexual Misconduct by Members of the Clergy and Rostered Laypersons, originally adopted in 2006 and updated in 2019, outlines our approach to receiving and responding to misconduct reports with compassion, care, and clarity. This includes both pastoral responses and the formal disciplinary process outlined by the ELCA’s constitutional bylaws.

We know the church must be a place of trust. Our calling is to reflect the gospel by responding to allegations with integrity, transparency, and deep care for all who are impacted. We urge every congregation to take an active role in safeguarding communities by creating or reviewing their own sexual misconduct policies and making sure all staff and leaders know the reporting process.

As the ELCA reminds us: We are called to be a safe place.

Please share this resource widely with congregational leaders, staff, volunteers, and members. Prevention begins with awareness.