Abuse Ignored in the Name of Forgiveness
A Minnesota church community’s handling of child sex abuse allowed Clint Massie to assault young girls for over 20 years. Massie, a respected member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church (OALC), was protected by church leaders who prioritized forgiveness rituals over legal accountability. Victims say they were pressured to forgive him, often in emotionally coercive meetings facilitated by preachers like Daryl Bruckelmyer.
Some survivors recall being hugged by Massie in front of their abusers, after church leaders led “forgiveness sessions.” These encounters, they say, deepened their trauma and discouraged them from seeking help again. Many report struggling with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts as they were forced to stay silent under church doctrine.
Warning Signs Overlooked, Mandated Reporting Ignored
Despite multiple allegations dating back to kindergarten-aged victims, OALC preachers failed to report Massie’s abuse to authorities. Instead, they encouraged private forgiveness sessions. Church leaders, including Bruckelmyer, admitted to knowing about the abuse but said it was up to victims to report it. Under Minnesota law, however, clergy who are also educators or care providers are mandatory reporters. Investigators say this misinterpretation prolonged Massie’s freedom.
In interviews with police, Bruckelmyer acknowledged he had been informed of several victims, yet no reports were made. A church document obtained by reporters shows the OALC emphasizes reconciliation but avoids clear instructions on legal obligations.
Victims Silenced, Then Blamed
Survivors describe being forced to forgive their abuser or risk spiritual condemnation. One woman told police she was left suicidal after her church pressured her to absolve Massie in front of her father and preacher. Another survivor described how Massie continued to hug and kiss children in church, despite preachers claiming they had told him to stop.
Several victims reported being shunned or discouraged from speaking about the abuse. Some were told that raising the issue again would be considered sinful, and the burden of sin would be theirs to bear.
Delayed Justice and Legal Loopholes
Massie ultimately pleaded guilty to four counts of felony criminal sexual conduct with victims under 13 and received a 7½-year prison sentence in March 2025. Yet, charges against church leaders like Bruckelmyer were not pursued, largely due to expired statutes of limitation. Prosecutors say church interference and lack of cooperation delayed accountability.
Investigators noted that early complaints were met with silence or blame, and some families withdrew from cooperating under church pressure. This obstruction, prosecutors said, allowed Massie to continue abusing more children over many years.
New Lawsuits, But Broader Accountability Elusive
Survivors Kyla Chamberlin and Kristi Bertolotto have filed lawsuits against Massie and the OALC, represented by the same lawyer who fought for Jeffrey Epstein’s victims. Although the church has denied jurisdiction in court filings, more victims are stepping forward across multiple states. Prosecutors and victims alike argue that the church’s culture of silence continues to protect abusers and retraumatize survivors.
The lack of centralized leadership within the OALC makes legal action complicated. With no national headquarters and a structure that gives local preachers wide autonomy, victims say it’s difficult to hold the church accountable. Still, former members hope legal action will push the church to adopt transparency and comply with mandated reporting laws.
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Young Girls Were Sexually Abused by a Church Member. They Were Told to Forgive and Forget
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