BishopAccountability.org
	Chaplain Arrested for Sexual Assault Fox 9 July 30, 2009 http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/crime/Chaplain_Arrested_for_Sexual_Assault_july_30__2009 SAINT CLOUD, Minn. - An 82-year-old chaplain was arrested in Saint Cloud for sexually assaulting a minor. Police say Pastor Arthur Ree sexually assaulted a minor female over an 18-month period from 2000 to 2001. Ree was a member of the southwester Minnesota synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He served in parishes from North Dakota to Minneapolis during the 70's and 80's. In 1984, he came to the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud, where he served as a pastor until his retirement in 1997. At that time, he came to the St. Cloud Police Department where he helped set up the chaplain program and participated until 2005. The program itself is a volunteer program, where people make recommendations to get on with the program. He had three recommendations from three reputable people. The southwest Minnesota synod does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse in any way. St. Cloud Police Officer Sergeant Martin Sayre says he knows Pastor Ree's actions could cast a shadow over the department's chaplain work. "He swore an oath at city hall when he became a chaplain so it's very disappointing to the whole department and puts a stain on the police chaplain program," said Sayre. Statement from the Evangelical Lutheran Church "The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Southwestern Minnesota Synod is shocked and deeply saddened by the arrest of art ree on charges of criminal sexual behavior involveing a female victim. Ree is a retired pastor of the ELCA. Charges of this nature are very serious and even more disturbing when they involve the life of the church. The Southwestern Minnesota Synod does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse in any way. Our synod and congregation are and should remain always safe places for all people. We offer prayers for the victim of the abuse and her family and friends. We also offer our prayers for Mr. Ree and his family. Situations like these bring deep pain and sadness to many people. Our comfort rests with God who is with us At all times we pray that God's care, concern, healing and wisdom may be experienced by all who have been affected."
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.