Independent investigation concludes

Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) today announced the resignation of Todd Guggenmos from the pastoral ministry of LCC and from the congregations he served as pastor, following the completion of an independent investigation into allegations of online misconduct made against him.

That investigation has concluded:

• That Guggenmos had, through the use of an anonymous Twitter account he created, posted thousands of tweets, many of which belittled, mocked and devalued others and involved the use of foul and demeaning language;
• That he targeted specific people repeatedly and over a nearly two year period of time;
• That, while targeting both men and women, he used language that was specifically demeaning to women.

Such misconduct is unbecoming of a spiritual leader as it fails to conform to the holy life which Scripture and LCC requires of its pastors.

With respect to an alleged tweet relating to the age of consent for sexual activity, the Investigator utilized forensic analysis and concluded that this tweet could not be traced to the account of Guggenmos and therefore the author of this tweet has not been proven or disproven.

LCC is grateful to the complainants for their strength and courage in bringing this matter to our attention, and for their patience while awaiting the conclusion of the independent investigation.

We express our sincere sorrow and pray for all who have been affected by this unacceptable situation, especially those who were the recipients of unwarranted and disturbing online behaviour.

We pray also for the congregations where Guggenmos served and the impact these events have had on their communities, as well as for the Guggenmos family.

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