Protecting the Children: The Need for Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Churches to Enact Sexual Misconduct Policies

Abstract

The churches of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod demonstrate care for children in many aspects of their ministry. Yet, many churches overlook important steps in protecting the children, especially from sexual abuse performed by clergy and representatives of the church. This thesis seeks to demonstrate the need for Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod churches to enact and implement sexual misconduct policies for the protection of children. To do this, the thesis looks at the consequences of sexual abuse and the prevalence of sexual violence throughout history. The thesis then looks to why Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod churches would want to prevent sexual abuse from occurring in their congregations. This thesis closes by explaining why sexual misconduct policies are an important step in combating sexual abuse in churches.