Canton Repository
July 18, 2008
http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=421235&Category=9&subCategoryID=0
CANTON A former minister accused of molesting a family member will be in court today.
Peter L. Pilger, 36, of Warren, will be arraigned on three felony counts of attempted rape and single counts of rape, kidnapping and gross sexual imposition in Stark County Common Pleas Court.
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| Peter L. Pilger |
According to court records, Pilger, a former Jackson Township resident, sexually abused a girl during a six-year period ending in April. The girl is now 12.
The alleged abuse occurred in Stark and Franklin counties. An investigation into the alleged sexual abuse began in April by Jackson Township police.
Northeast Ohio Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America read a statement Thursday:
"... the Synod is shocked and deeply saddened by charges filed against Peter Pilger. Charges of this nature are very serious and even more disturbing when they involved the life of the church.
"The Northeast Ohio Synod does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse of children in any way. Our Synod and congregation are and should remain always safe places for all members, particularly children."
On April 6, Pilger became pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Massillon.
Two days later, church officials were told of the alleged abuse, Eaton said.
Eaton said Pilger was removed as head of the church May 4, but he had not had any contact with its congregation since early April.
She said Pilger was officially removed from the Synod roster as a clergy member July 8.
"Members of the Northeast Ohio synod offer their prayers for the victim of the abuse, the victim's family and members of Faith Lutheran Church.
"We also offer prayers to Peter Pilger and his family. Situations like these bring deep pain and sadness to many people."
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