"Breaking the Silence: Unveiling the Hidden Abuse Within a Faith Community"
Unveiling Silence: The Clint Massie Case and the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church
In a harrowing account that has shaken the community of Duluth, Minnesota, the case of Clint Massie has brought to light the disturbing realities of child sexual abuse within the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church (OALC). Victims, some as young as five years old, have come forward with detailed reports of abuse that occurred in seemingly safe environments—church gatherings, family outings, and even during innocent games of hide-and-seek. The accounts span from the early 1990s to the 2010s, revealing a pattern of abuse that many believe was enabled by the church’s culture of silence and forgiveness.
The Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Clint Massie, known to many as the “fun uncle,” pleaded guilty to four counts of felony sexual conduct with minors under the age of 13. In March 2023, he began serving a 7.5-year prison sentence. However, many victims and their families feel that true accountability has yet to be achieved. They argue that Massie is merely a symptom of a much larger issue within the OALC, where church leaders allegedly pressured victims to forgive and forget, often through “forgiveness sessions” that included the abuser.
The Role of Church Leadership
Victims have reported that church leaders, including Daryl Bruckelmyer, a preacher in Duluth, were made aware of the abuse but failed to take appropriate action. In a recorded interview with sheriff’s detectives, Bruckelmyer admitted to knowing about the abuse but claimed he misunderstood mandated reporter laws in Minnesota. He stated that he had “warned” Massie to stay away from children but did not report the incidents to law enforcement.
Kimberly Lowe, a lawyer for the church, suggested that preachers may not be legally required to report abuse due to their unpaid status. This ambiguity raises serious questions about the church’s compliance with Minnesota law, particularly regarding the protection of vulnerable children.
Church Policies vs. Legal Obligations
During the investigation, Bruckelmyer presented a document outlining the church’s guidelines for preventing violence and abuse. While some policies appeared reasonable, the document notably lacked any mention of mandatory reporting laws. Instead, it emphasized individual conversations with victims and abusers, which many believe allowed perpetrators like Massie to evade justice for years.
The OALC operates 33 locations across the U.S. and Canada, and reports from alleged victims indicate that the problem may extend beyond Minnesota, with claims of abuse surfacing in states like Delaware, Michigan, and South Dakota.
A Culture of Isolation
The church’s teachings promote a lifestyle that intentionally isolates its members from modern societal influences. Former members have described a community that shuns music, movies, and other forms of entertainment, viewing them as sinful. This isolation may contribute to a lack of awareness about the broader implications of sexual abuse, as evidenced by Bruckelmyer’s unfamiliarity with other high-profile abuse cases.
During a recent Sunday service, the stark contrast between the church’s values and the outside world was palpable. The service, characterized by hymns sung without musical accompaniment and women wearing headscarves, provided a glimpse into a faith tradition that prioritizes simplicity and modesty. Yet, the haunting stories of abuse lingered in the background, casting a shadow over the community.
Breaking the Silence
The accounts of abuse within the OALC are not just isolated incidents; they represent a systemic issue that has affected multiple generations. The silence surrounding these experiences has been deafening, but the courage of victims to come forward is a crucial step toward accountability and healing.
As the investigation continues, the hope is that these stories will not only break the silence but also serve as a catalyst for change within the OALC and similar communities. The goal is to ensure that no child has to endure the trauma of abuse in silence again.
In the words of Assistant St. Louis County Attorney Mike Ryan, the church’s response to these allegations has been akin to a “machine” that seeks to roll over victims rather than support them. The ongoing reporting aims to shed light on these dark corners of faith communities, advocating for the protection of children and the accountability of those in positions of power.