Police to investigate church sex scandal

[Savage]

Police to investigate church sex scandal Source

The police chief in Agder, southern Norway, has decided to investigate whether a pastor in Kristiansand broke the law by entering into a sexual relationship with a young member of his congregation.

The sex scandal at Oddernes Church in Kristiansand broke late last week, and the pastor has lost all his authority granted by the state church in Norway.

Now the local police are launching an investigation after determining that there is "reasonable cause" to probe whether the pastor "obtained sex through the abuse of his position, a relationship of dependency or a relationship of confidence."

The sexual relationship between the pastor, in his 60s, and a woman in her early 20s who had sought his advice reportedly went on for several years. Church officials claim it began when the woman first sought "comfort for her soul" and then enlisted the pastor's help and support.

The woman has not reported the pastor to the police, but police said they hoped she would cooperate in the investigation.

Church officials, including the bishop of Agder, have denounced the relationship and publicly apologized to the congegration. The pastor was stripped of his duties shortly after the officials were made aware of the alleged abuse of trust.
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