Child Sexual Abuse Allegations Persist in Old Apostolic Lutheran Church

The Old Apostolic Lutheran Church (OALC) has faced allegations of child sexual abuse across its congregations in the U.S., with many cases reportedly not reported to law enforcement. Victims have included multiple generations within families, highlighting the ongoing issue. Church leaders from Sweden are scheduled to visit U.S. congregations this summer, with advocates hoping to raise awareness and prompt reforms. In various instances, church officials have been accused of failing to report abuse allegations, instead advising perpetrators to seek forgiveness. This has led to a culture where victims may feel compelled to remain silent about their experiences. Prosecutors in Wyoming have charged two OALC members in recent years, citing challenges in addressing the issue due to the church's structure and the movement of its members across congregations. Reports indicate that church leaders have historically encouraged victims to confront their abusers rather than report incidents to authorities. The Swedish church representatives stated that they do not observe a pattern of abuse among their members but acknowledged that some cases may have been mishandled. They are reviewing church guidelines to ensure compliance with legal obligations.