Pastor Gary Elg Caught in Prostitution Sting Apologizes to Congregation

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 Pastor Gary Elg Caught in Prostitution Sting Apologizes to Congregation

On July 24th, Pastor Gary Elg was arrested in a prostitution sting and resigned from Red Wing's First Presbyterian Church where he was pastor for 23 years.

Apparently, when the pastor intended to solicit a prostitute, he did not know he would be caught in a prostitution sting where he offered money for sex to an undercover cop in a St. Paul motel room.

Pastor Gary Elg offered his apologies to the congregation when he resigned on July 26th, two days after his arrest for a misdemeanor offense:

"I have failed you as a pastor and a friend. I have crossed some serious ethical and moral boundaries."

"I apologize for my inappropriate behavior that has led to [my resignation]," he continued. "I will be seeking therapy and healing for my life and for the good of my family."

The Christian Post reported:

St. Paul City Attorney Sara Grewing further explained that the penalty for his transgression might be more serious if it is found that the solicitation took place at a public place.

He's scheduled to appear in Ramsey County court next month on Sept. 10th.

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MN Pastor Admits To Prostitution Citation and Resigns from Church

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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