Protection of an Abuser
Leaders of a Minnesota church failed to report a member who abused girls for years, despite being aware of their legal duty. Instead, they held meetings urging victims to forgive and forget, blaming them if they spoke about the abuse again.
The Victims’ Story
One girl fought with her father on the way to a meeting with Clint Massie, a respected congregant who had abused her. Alongside her father and Daryl Bruckelmyer, the preacher, Massie asked for forgiveness. The girl, given a forced hug by her abuser, recalled it as an intensely traumatic event.
The Old Apostolic Lutheran Church (OALC) in Duluth, Minnesota, knew of Massie’s abuse, which spanned 20 years and two states. Despite this, church leaders never informed the police, facilitating further abuse.
Court and Legal Response
Massie admitted to some of the abuse when later questioned by the police. He claimed that church leaders, including Bruckelmyer, were aware of his actions. Despite this, the church promoted so-called ‘forgiveness sessions’ rather than taking legal action.
Impact on Victims
The culture of silence had a significant impact on the victims’ lives. Many struggled with mental health issues, exacerbated by being silenced and then having to be in the presence of their abuser at community gatherings.
A young woman who reported Massie during a therapy session triggered the police’s first awareness of the abuse in 2017. However, without her family’s cooperation, no charges were filed.
Church’s Response
Bruckelmyer claimed that reporting the abuse was the victims’ responsibility, misunderstanding mandatory reporting laws. An internal church document received by the Star Tribune and ProPublica suggested discussions through forgiveness sessions, which experts argue can exacerbate victims’ trauma.
The document doesn’t mention mandatory reporting laws, offering accused individuals control over participation in police investigations.
Broader Church Community
The Old Apostolic Lutheran Church, a conservative Christian revival movement, has been accused of harboring similar cases across multiple states. Many members follow a strict interpretation of biblical forgiveness, allowing abusers to remain in the community without consequence.
Legal Developments
A previous victim reignited police interest in 2023 after reporting ongoing concerns. Massie’s wife allegedly attempted to minimize the abuse to victims, perpetuating a longstanding culture of denial.
During an investigation, Massie confessed that the number of his potential victims might be in the hundreds, highlighting the scale of his actions.
Accountability in Court
At Massie’s sentencing, despite requests for leniency based on a lack of previous criminal record, he received 7 1/2 years in prison. This was a bittersweet victory for victims who longed for accountability beyond Massie.
Victims, such as Kyla Chamberlin, expressed a mix of satisfaction and disappointment, acutely aware that church leaders avoided legal consequences.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims and their families continue to battle for justice in court. Through lawsuits against Massie and relevant church organizations, they seek both recognition and accountability for ongoing misconduct.