04/12/2004: "Lutherans settle up"

According to the news service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

The churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) settled a civil suit brought against the church in Marshall, Texas, by 14 plaintiffs in a case that involved the behavior of a former ELCA pastor.� The former pastor, Gerald P. Thomas Jr., was found guilty of criminal sexual assault against children in a trial last year and was sentenced to a lengthy prison term.
��
At the request of the plaintiffs' attorney, the terms of the settlement were not disclosed by the court, said John R. Brooks, a spokesman for the ELCA. The settlement was approved April 12 in a Marshall court by District Judge Bonnie Leggat. The churchwide organization reached a tentative settlement with the plaintiff's attorneys March 27, subject to approval by the court.� The issues were "mediated in good faith, and the settlement was reached in good faith," Brooks said.
��
"The ELCA is thankful to have reached a settlement in a civil case" that arose from Thomas' conduct, Brooks said in a written statement. "We continue to pray for all who have been adversely affected by this disturbing case, and we ask your prayers for the victims of Thomas and for the congregation that he once served in Marshall." Brooks emphasized that Thomas is no longer an ELCA pastor.
��
With the cooperation of its insurance carriers, the ELCA "is grateful its share of the total settlement payment is being funded without adversely affecting the mission and ministry of this church," Brooks said. "In reaching its settlement, the ELCA admitted to no wrongdoing by the church."

One of the church's synods may still get stuck with a fat bill. There are no signs of a settlement with the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod.