MN Pastor Admits To Prostitution Citation and Resigns from Church
First Presbyterian Church of Red Wing gather together with leadership to discuss the resignation of their pastor, Gary Elg.
Pastor Gary Elg told church officials that he had been arrested on prostitution allegations and put in his resignation effective last Thursday.
“I have failed you as a pastor and a friend,” Elg was quoted as saying in a letter sent out to church members Friday. “I have crossed some serious ethical and moral boundaries.”Pastor Elg was consequently cited in St. Paul on July 24 for allegedly exchanging money for sex. The pastor did not know at the time that he was dealing with an undercover officer. His charged was misdemeanor prostitution-patron on July 25.
He told the local session leaders after speaking with the regional Presbytery about the incident. The session accepted Elg’s resignation in a special meeting July 26. A letter was sent to church members July 27.
The church has already begun searching for a permanent replacement for Elg.
“My guess is that the congregation will take its time,” Kvols said. “Gary … has been well-loved by the church. This is not a decision that the session or the congregation is likely to rush into.”Elg was the pastor of First Presbyterian for 23 years.
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