You’re right to point out that the lack of a clear, consistent definition of sexual misconduct in Bylaw 2.17 is a part of the problem. It leaves too much room for subjective interpretation—especially when paired with a resignation, which halts any formal disciplinary process before it can begin. That combination creates the perfect conditions for harm to be minimized or even erased from institutional memory.
In my case, the evidence was reviewed and taken seriously by the district president—but when resignation was offered, the process ended. No formal finding. No public acknowledgment. And no mechanism to ensure that others would be protected in the future.
This is why I believe real reform requires more than internal policy tweaks. What if the LCMS—and institutions like Concordia Seminary—were open to inviting an independent organization like GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) to evaluate their systems and help build a culture of transparency and accountability? Outside insight could go a long way toward restoring trust.
I’m grateful for thoughtful comments like yours. The system doesn’t change unless people keep raising these questions.
GRACE is amazing. I highly would recommend that third party investigations would occur because it is far too easy the institution to not handle it properly. But that isn’t happening within the LCMS. (Clearly).
I agree- reform needs to happen on many levels. Policies is the bare minimum. We need more education, safeguarding, and above all- accountability. I heard it stated perfectly by a podcaster recently - “we need to put the fear of God back in these men so that they don’t even consider it.” Because right now, there is none.
You’re right to point out that the lack of a clear, consistent definition of sexual misconduct in Bylaw 2.17 is a part of the problem. It leaves too much room for subjective interpretation—especially when paired with a resignation, which halts any formal disciplinary process before it can begin. That combination creates the perfect conditions for harm to be minimized or even erased from institutional memory.
In my case, the evidence was reviewed and taken seriously by the district president—but when resignation was offered, the process ended. No formal finding. No public acknowledgment. And no mechanism to ensure that others would be protected in the future.
This is why I believe real reform requires more than internal policy tweaks. What if the LCMS—and institutions like Concordia Seminary—were open to inviting an independent organization like GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) to evaluate their systems and help build a culture of transparency and accountability? Outside insight could go a long way toward restoring trust.
I’m grateful for thoughtful comments like yours. The system doesn’t change unless people keep raising these questions.
GRACE is amazing. I highly would recommend that third party investigations would occur because it is far too easy the institution to not handle it properly. But that isn’t happening within the LCMS. (Clearly).
I agree- reform needs to happen on many levels. Policies is the bare minimum. We need more education, safeguarding, and above all- accountability. I heard it stated perfectly by a podcaster recently - “we need to put the fear of God back in these men so that they don’t even consider it.” Because right now, there is none.
I think we just stumbled upon my next post.