Salem pastor resigns after church investigates claims of sexual misconduct by him, 3 others

Lauren Hernandez and Capi Lynn, Statesman Journal, March 8, 2018

Warning: Some of the testimonies found in this story contain graphic details that some may find triggering or disturbing.

"Sexual immorality" was the reason cited when longtime Pastor Ken Engelking resigned in January from Morning Star Community Church in Salem.

Four women had come forward the previous spring with allegations against Engelking, two other former church staff members and a member of an affiliated church.

In a 23-page annotated letter to the Morning Star board of directors, the women chronicled accusations of an . . . 

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Showing 1 comment

  • John Nesbella
    commented 2018-03-09 10:44:58 -0600
    It doesn’t matter what church it is, the reason for covering up and not reporting the crime is the same-PROTECT THE CHURCH; which really means protect the church leaders. It’s always about ‘avoiding scandal’. Which is the primary reason the roman church continues to process all sex crimes by priests in secret. The church and its elite leaders always come first-not the people-not the children. the church doesn’t exist for God and the people; the people and God exist for the church; that is why it’s alright for priests and pastors to sexually abuse children and adults because God put us on earth to serve them and their church.

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