Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation
Public Update from the Office of the Bishop
November 27, 2025
The Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the ELCA churchwide organization regarding the federal investigation involving former synod leader Casey Goslin.
As of this posting, there are still no known victims within our synod, and all criminal allegations involve online activity. The investigation remains active and ongoing under the leadership of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in coordination with the Tucson Police Department. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will share verified information as it becomes available.
The Office of the Bishop, under the leadership of Acting Bishop Pastor Mike Girlinghouse, remains committed to clear communication, pastoral care, and transparency. Even in this period of limited new information, we are working to support leaders, congregations, and ministries as they navigate questions, emotions, and concerns that may arise.
We encourage pastors and deacons to stay attentive to their communities and to reach out to the Office of the Bishop with any pastoral care needs or questions related to this matter.
Pastoral Care: Acting Bishop Pastor Mike Girlinghouse – mgirlinghouse@gmail.com
Communications: Brian Flatgard, Director of Communications – bflatgard@gcsynod.org
We remain grounded in prayer, trusting that God continues to accompany us with truth, courage, and hope. Thank you for your continued patience, care, and faithfulness as we walk together through this season.
—Office of the Bishop
Grand Canyon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)