Church Leaders Fail to Report Sexual Abuse, Prompting Legal Action

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Reports highlight how leaders of a Minnesota church failed to report a parishioner who sexually abused girls for years. They were aware of the abuse but chose to handle it internally.

Forgive and Forget

Church gatherings in Minnesota involved telling children to forgive and forget the abuse. Speaking about it was discouraged, and blame was shifted onto the victims.

Legal and Institutional Failure

Prosecutors missed opportunities to intervene earlier, hoping to educate church leaders about their legal responsibilities. This delay allowed further abuse to occur.

“It was one of the worst things ever,” the victim told police years later.

The victim fought back against being forced to forgive the abuser. The meeting, called by church leader Daryl Bruckelmyer, ended with the abuser seeking forgiveness.

A Call for Justice

Over two decades, Clint Massie admitted to abusing children within the church community. The abuse was widespread, even occurring during church services.

Despite warnings to avoid Massie, church leaders failed to report him. Instead, they held forgiveness sessions, enabling further abuse.

Legal Outcomes

Massie was charged with four counts of felony criminal sexual conduct in 2024. He received a 7.5-year prison sentence. Church officials, including Bruckelmyer, were still not held accountable.

Investigations

Allegations surfaced against Massie in 2017. Lack of cooperation from the church slowed legal action. Bruckelmyer claimed the responsibility to report lay with victims.

Internal documents emphasized forgiveness and provided no guidelines on reporting abuse.

Church Context

The Old Apostolic Lutheran Church (OALC) came to the U.S. with 19th-century settlers. Known for its conservatism, it has no central authority to be held accountable, complicating responses to abuse.

Reports of abuse are emerging from several states, indicating a broader issue within the church.

Impact on Victims

Victims faced trauma and were pressured into silence. The community’s internal handling of abuses created lasting impacts on their lives.

Breaking the Silence

In 2023, new allegations prompted further investigation. One victim stepped forward, expressing the emotional and psychological scars of her abuse.

Police continued to investigate, but many victims remained reluctant to come forward for fear of further trauma.

Legal and Community Dynamics

Sgt. Adam Kleffman investigated the case, uncovering victims and obtaining admissions from Massie regarding misconduct.

Leaders Under Scrutiny

Church leaders were asked about their reluctance to report abuse. Bruckelmyer admitted knowing of multiple cases but took no effective action.

Future Action

Despite a lack of consequences for church leaders, the case against Massie proceeded. Current efforts focus on raising awareness within and outside the community.