Report a Misconduct

The NC Synod takes misconduct seriously.

We take misconduct seriously and require that all rostered ministers of this synod participate regularly in training which addresses not only sexual and financial misconduct but also Racial Sensitivity, Harassment, & Discrimination, as well as Gender-Based Sensitivity, Harassment, & Discrimination. Despite our best efforts and the call of Jesus for us to create safe, life-giving places of worship, we know misconduct happens. If you have been the victim of misconduct, we encourage you to report the misconduct to the bishop’s office using the links on this page. The North Carolina Synod is concerned about all types of sexual misconduct by rostered ministers, regardless of whether or how the misconduct is characterized by the law or by the governing documents of the ELCA.

Sexual Misconduct Policies and Procedures for Rostered Ministers of the NC Synod
Report a Misconduct

Reporting Child Abuse

North Carolina requires “any person or institution who has cause to suspect that any juvenile is abused, neglected…or has died as a result of maltreatment” to make a report to the county department of social services where the child resides or is found. G.S. 7B-301(a). If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected abuse, please follow this link to the NC Dept. of Health and Human Services.

NC Dept of HHS

Report Misconduct

This synod has responsibility for addressing allegations of sexual abuse by rostered ministers (ordained clergy 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 misconduct, and appropriate discipline for those who offend.

Report a Misconduct

If you are more comfortable reporting to one of the following synod staff, they are also available to receive reports:  Bishop Tim Smith, the Rev. Cassie Overcash, the Rev. CeCee Mills, the Rev. Alfredo Oviedo, and the Rev. Phil Tonnesen.

Financial Misconduct

Financial misconduct involves embezzlement, fraud, misuse of funds, lack of internal controls, and conflicts of interest.

Financial misconduct reports can be made to Michael DeNise.

Report to Michael DeNise

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct includes all forms of sexual misbehavior including affairs, harassment, and solicitation. Sexual abuse by a rostered minister is unacceptable within the life of the church and is a misuse of the trusted office they hold, a betrayal of the nature of the ministerial relationship.

Report a Misconduct

Harassment & Social Misconduct

Harassment and social misconduct include behavior related to racism, gender-based discrimination, physical and/or verbal abuse, derogatory language, macro, and microaggressions.

Report a Misconduct
The refreshed ELCA Brandmark

Report to the ELCA

Report to the ELCA if the misconduct occurred with a rostered minister serving in another synod of the ELCA.

Report to Barbara Keller.
Call 800-638-3522, ext. 2699

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