Reporting misconduct and abuse:
The Central States Synod takes misconduct seriously and requires that all rostered and lay ministers of this synod participate regularly in boundary training, which addresses not only sexual and financial misconduct but also Racial Sensitivity, Harassment, & Discrimination, as well as Gender-Based Sensitivity, Harassment, & Discrimination.
Despite our best efforts and the call of Jesus for us to create safe, life-giving places of worship, we know misconduct happens. If you have been the victim of misconduct, we encourage you to report the misconduct to the bishop’s office using the links on this page. The Central States Synod is concerned about all types of sexual misconduct by rostered ministers, regardless of whether or how the misconduct is characterized by the law or by the governing documents of the ELCA.
Where to report clergy sexual misconduct:
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Contact Bishop Donna Simon
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Contact Kendra Stea, -
ELCA Director of Misconduct Prevention
Kansas:
The Child Abuse Report Guide is intended to help by providing you with a guide to reporting abuse or neglect in Kansas. It suggests guidelines for:
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When to report child abuse
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What evidence needs to be noted
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The consequences of failure to report child abuse and neglect
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected in Kansas, please contact the Kansas Protection Report Center (KPRC) at 1-800-922-5330.
Telephone lines at the Kansas Protection Report Center are staffed 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Every call is taken seriously and every effort will be made to protect your identity. In the event of an emergency contact your local law enforcement or call 911.
Missouri:
Anyone can report suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the Missouri Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline.
You can remain anonymous when making a report, but we encourage you to consider identifying yourself. Being able to contact you later helps the Children's Division staff complete a more thorough investigation. They may also need to ask you for more information during the investigation process.
What information will I need when I call?
When making a report, be sure to have the following information:
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Name of the child
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Name of the parent(s)
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Name of the alleged abuser
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Where the child can be located
You will also be asked to describe your concerns and for any other helpful information you can provide.