LCMS Responds to Arrest of District President
Pastor Matthew C. Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, responded last week to the “devastating” news of District President Michael Mohr’s arrest. “I’m in shock at the injury of innocent victims, and the shame brought upon our faithful people,” Harrison wrote. “Jesus have mercy upon us!”
The allegations against the Lutheran pastor, if proven true in court, “are an unfathomable betrayal of the responsibility and trust placed in the servants of the church by Christ and His people,” added Harrison. “Our Lord has strong words for all who would lead His little ones to stumble (Matt. 18:6).”
The LCMS is cooperating with authorities, wrote Harrison, and the denomination has “an ecclesiastical process for conduct unbecoming [of] a minister of the Gospel.” Following Mohr’s arrest, Pastor Michael Burdick has assumed the duties of Central Illinois District president.
In addition, Concordia Seminary suspended Mohr from its board of regents. School leaders, the institution stated, “are expected to lead lives that are consistent with the Holy Scriptures, love and protect our neighbor, and bring honor to the Lord who has redeemed us.”
The Central Illinois District set up a phone number and email address for victims, and a mental health professional is monitoring those channels.
Pastor Patrick Gumz, a district official, said church leaders are “working with the affected congregations and parishioners to ensure they receive the necessary pastoral support and care.” He added, “We pray God’s hand of justice and mercy will prevail for all affected by this situation.”
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