Church Leaders in Minnesota Church Community Failed to Report Child Abuse

ProPublica and the Minnesota Star Tribune uncovered a disturbing pattern of child sex abuse within the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church community in Duluth, Minnesota. Church leaders enabled Clint Massie, who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing young girls, despite knowing about the abuse for years. Massie is currently serving a 7 1/2-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to four felony counts of sexual conduct with a victim under the age of 13.

Church leaders, including preacher Daryl Bruckelmyer, were aware of the abuse but failed to report it to authorities. Bruckelmyer, in a 2023 interview, claimed it was up to victims to report the crimes, a misunderstanding of the law that applies to mandated reporters. The church’s inaction created an environment where abuse was an open secret, with mothers warning children to stay away from Massie and victims being told to forgive and forget.

Victims were subjected to meetings where they were encouraged to forgive and forget the abuse, with some cases ending in church leaders allowing Massie to hug the victim. An internal church document outlined guidelines for handling abuse, suggesting that both parties be brought together for a discussion, which contradicted the need for legal intervention and protection.

Prosecutors had opportunities to intervene but hoped educating church leaders about their legal duties would encourage cooperation. Despite a state law requiring clergy to report abuse, church leaders did not act, believing it was the victims’ responsibility to report the crimes. This failure to comply with the law highlights a significant gap in accountability within the community.

The Old Apostolic Lutheran Church, a rapidly growing conservative Christian revival movement, emphasizes large families and a modest lifestyle, avoiding modern entertainment. However, its leadership structure, which only allows men to hold positions of authority, has not prevented the abuse from occurring. The church’s stance on forgiveness, while rooted in Christian teachings, has been used to downplay the severity of the abuse and discourage victims from seeking justice.

Two alleged victims have filed lawsuits against Massie, their church in South Dakota, and the OALC, retaining the same lawyer who represented victims in the Jeffrey Epstein case. The OALC has dismissed the lawsuits, arguing that it lacks personal jurisdiction over the case. The legal battles highlight the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in cases of child abuse, with victims seeking redress for the harm they have endured.

Source: Read the original report