Decades of Silence: How an Old Apostolic Lutheran Church Enabled Sexual Abuse and Prioritized Forgiveness Over Reporting
For years, a dark secret festered within the Woodland Park Old Apostolic Lutheran Church (OALC) in Duluth, Minnesota.While mothers whispered warnings to their daughters about a predator in their midst, and church leaders were informed of repeated sexual abuse, the alleged perpetrator, Rev. Duane Massie, continued his crimes. A recent investigation by ProPublica reveals a disturbing pattern of inaction, prioritizing a twisted interpretation of forgiveness over the legal and moral obligation to protect children, and ultimately enabling years of abuse. This report details the systemic failures within the OALC, the legal complexities surrounding mandated reporting, and the ongoing fight for justice by survivors.
Understanding the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church & Its Unique Culture
The OALC is a conservative christian revival movement tracing its roots to 19th-century scandinavian settlers. Distinct from mainstream Lutheran denominations, it emphasizes a life of extreme modesty and simplicity, mirroring what members believe was the lifestyle of Jesus. This translates into strict prohibitions against common modern practices like dancing,music,and movies. The church is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by its emphasis on large families, notably in states like Washington and Minnesota. Crucially, leadership within the OALC is exclusively male, and forgiveness is elevated to a central tenet of faith – a principle tragically distorted in the case of Duane Massie.
the Massie Case: A Systemic Failure to Protect
The investigation details how church leaders were aware of Massie’s abuse of young girls for years. Instead of reporting him to authorities, they engaged in a series of actions that actively shielded him and, devastatingly, re-traumatized victims.
* Knowledge and Inaction: Leaders knew of the abuse but failed to fulfill their legal duty as mandated reporters. Despite being informed by police of their obligation to report, they did not. The abuse became an “open secret” within the congregation, with parents actively warning their children.
* “Forgive and Forget” Meetings: Perhaps the most chilling aspect of the case is the revelation that church leaders held meetings instructing victims to forgive Massie and suppress their memories of the abuse.Victims were told that speaking out woudl be a sin, and in at least one instance, Massie was allowed to hug a victim following such a meeting. Internal church documents even outlined guidelines for handling abuse,suggesting facilitated discussions between abuser and victim.
* Therapy as Cover: Church leaders sent Massie to a therapist specializing in sex offender treatment, seemingly as a means of appearing proactive while simultaneously avoiding legal intervention.
* Legal Consequences: In December 2024, Massie pleaded guilty to four felony counts of sexual conduct with a victim under the age of 13 and was sentenced to 7 ½ years in prison.
The Mandated Reporter Dilemma & Legal Challenges
The case highlights a critical misunderstanding of mandated reporting laws. While some within the church leadership claimed they believed it was “on [victims] to do that” to report the crimes, Minnesota law clearly outlines the responsibility of certain professionals – including clergy – to report suspected child abuse.
Though, the OALC is attempting to navigate a legal gray area.Church spokesperson John Hiivala claims full compliance with the law, while lawyer Kimberly Lowe argues that the church’s unpaid preachers may not be legally required to report. Lowe acknowledged the statute’s language is “unclear,” raising questions about the scope of mandated reporting within the OALC’s unique structure. This ambiguity underscores the need for clearer legal definitions and stricter enforcement of reporting requirements.
Lawsuits and the Fight for Accountability
Since Massie’s sentencing, two alleged victims have filed lawsuits against him, the church in south Dakota where the abuse occurred, and the OALC itself. They have retained the same legal counsel who successfully represented victims in the Jeffrey Epstein case, signaling a resolute pursuit of justice.
Massie, writing from prison, has denied the allegations. The OALC, in a motion to dismiss the lawsuits, argues it lacks personal jurisdiction, attempting to distance itself from the responsibility for the abuse that occurred under its watch. This legal strategy underscores the challenges survivors face in holding institutions accountable for enabling abuse.
Why This Matters: A Call for Systemic Change
The ProPublica investigation into the OALC is not an isolated incident. It exposes a dangerous pattern of prioritizing institutional protection over the safety and well-being of children. This case demands:
* Clarification of Mandated Reporting Laws: States must clearly define who is considered a mandated reporter, particularly within religious organizations with unique structures.
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