May 30, 2025
+Bishop Dee Pederson
Dear Friends in Christ -
I am writing in response to an article published May 29 in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel regarding the case of a former ELCA pastor, Alan Buresh, who was charged with sexual abuse and misconduct and is currently incarcerated in Iowa. The article states that Mr. Buresh served congregations in Nebraska, Southwestern Minnesota, and Northwest Wisconsin, and he resigned from the ELCA clergy roster in 2017. Mr. Buresh was called to serve Amo Lutheran and Bethany Lutheran, Storden, in SW MN in 1995. The article notes Buresh’s online ministering in SW MN after he resigned from the roster because of sexual abuse and misconduct. You need to know that the synod addressed Buresh’s continued online ministering in SW MN numerous times.
My heart goes out to all the victims of Mr. Buresh’s misconduct and abuse, and to all victims of clergy misconduct and abuse. I grieve the manipulation and the harm to victims, their families, congregations, and the whole church. We need to do better. So let me be clear:
This church does not tolerate sexual misconduct or abuse by those who accept a call to the ministerial office or its leaders. The ELCA works through synod bishops to ensure that allegations of sexual misconduct are investigated and that our congregations are safe places where people can worship, learn, work, belong, and receive care in an environment that is free from sexual misconduct. We take whatever measures we can to help prevent sexual abuse and misconduct within the synod.
Our policy for dealing with such situations is posted on our synod website, Preventing, Reporting & Responding to Abuse in Ministry | Southwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA. The synod website also includes links for where to report, ELCA resources and Synod resources for congregations. We ask congregations to implement these policies in their ministries. The Synod complies with administering the Minnesota Statute 604 background check when a congregation calls a rostered minister. We expect all rostered ministers to attend a Power and Boundaries training every 3 years, and make this expectation clear to congregational leaders.
Our policy is strict, and if misconduct occurs, we hold a public disclosure in the congregation because:
- A congregation has a right to know matters that affect them “No cover-up of clergy misconduct.”
- To keep the information consistent;
- To defer to law enforcement if there is an ongoing police investigation;
- To invite other victims who have been burdened/wounded by the misconduct to come forward;
- To make sure that all of our congregations are safe places for everyone.
- To provide a public reminder of the insistence the church puts on the trustworthiness of its clergy, adherence to standards, and transparency.
The call of a rostered minister is unique – it is a position of power and trust. In the public office of ministry, the person of the pastor or deacon represents the proclamation of the Gospel that is at the center of this minister’s presence in the gathered community. When that trust is broken, so is faith in the ministerial office, the congregation, and in God.
We ask for prayers for all those impacted by abuse in the church and in society as a whole, especially victims, their family members, and those who work to prevent abuse.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
In Christ,
