Former Minnesota Pastor Convicted of Sexual Misconduct
A former pastor of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) church in Eagan, Minnesota, Bruce Douglas Konold, 63, has been convicted of criminal sexual conduct in the 4th degree (clergy) but acquitted on two other charges of criminal sexual conduct. The jury also declared a mistrial on a fourth charge.
Konold, who served as pastor of Eagan Hills Church from 1997 until February 2022, was charged with sexual misconduct involving two women from his congregation. The allegations came to light in March 2022, leading to his resignation and eventual retirement from ministry.
During the trial, it was revealed that Konold had admitted to engaging in sexual acts with one victim over 100 times and with the second victim 19 times at various locations. He also claimed that one of the victims viewed him as a father figure and cited his expertise in world religions as a reason for their conversations to be spiritual.
The court’s complaint detailed how Konold’s wife also played a role in attempting to silence the victims, urging one to stay away from the church and threatening to cut off contact with both victims. The couple is now divorced.
Konold is set to be sentenced on Nov. 22, facing a potential 10-year prison term and a fine ranging from $6,000 to $20,000. Experts in clergy sexual abuse assert that any sexual behavior in a church setting with an imbalance of power constitutes abuse. The case highlights the vulnerability of congregants to clergy exploitation and the need for accountability within religious organizations.
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