The Challenge of Addressing Child Abuse in Old Apostolic Lutheran Church

The Old Apostolic Lutheran Church (OALC) is facing scrutiny due to child sex abuse cases within its congregations in the United States and Canada. Many allegations have not been reported to the police, revealing a systemic issue that persists across generations.

Generational Impact

In some OALC families, sexual abuse has affected mothers, daughters, and granddaughters, highlighting a troubling legacy of abuse. Victims and advocates aim to raise awareness as church elders from Sweden plan to visit U.S. congregations. They hope this will spur reform within the church’s handling of these allegations.

Church Doctrine and Practices

The OALC teaches a strict doctrine emphasizing forgiveness, where sins are considered erased after being forgiven by a fellow church member. This practice often leads to victims being discouraged from speaking out, as doing so can label them as unforgiving.

Examples in Wyoming, Minnesota, and Washington illustrate how preachers have handled abuse cases internally, telling offenders to seek therapy rather than involving law enforcement. In some instances, victims were pressured to forgive their abusers directly.

National and International Concerns

OALC church members, including DaNece Day, Crook County’s prosecuting attorney, have charged members over lack of reporting and handling abuse internally. The issue is compounded by members frequently moving between congregations spread across North America.

Recent reports by ProPublica and the Minnesota Star Tribune show a national pattern of abuse and non-reporting in the OALC. Current and former members hope Swedish elders will intervene.

The church’s Swedish representatives state that these are isolated incidents and guidelines are being reviewed to ensure compliance with laws. They stress that sexual abuse should be reported to authorities.

Interviews and Investigations

Interviews with 20 survivors and families of victims reveal many cases where abusers were family members or trusted church figures. Victims often face pressure to remain silent, fearing retribution from church communities.

Court documents from at least eight cases, spanning multiple states, detail abuses and cover-ups within the church’s framework. Victims frequently rejected advice to remain silent about their abuse.

Historical Context and Case Studies

The OALC traces its roots to Laestadianism, a Scandinavian movement emphasizing strict obedience and forgiveness, sometimes enabling the concealment of crimes. Historical accounts in Scandinavia also highlight similar challenges, where calls for reform have led to some judicial actions.

In Minnesota, reports describe cases of prolonged abuse overlooked by church authorities, such as a child’s report to a preacher being dismissed by encouraging forgiveness rather than reporting to authorities.

Efforts for Change

Some church members express hope for change when Swedish elders visit, especially in response to local incidents where members sought internal resolutions rather than legal ones. Affected families often remain in the church for spiritual reasons.

In Wyoming, detectives sought member records of Charles Massie, accused of abusing several children, demonstrating another case of internal conflict resolution failing to prevent further abuse. A pattern of non-reporting emerges across congregations, leaving children vulnerable.

Efforts to improve church practices are ongoing, but cases like Carsie Tikka’s underscore challenges faced by those advocating for both legal and spiritual justice.