Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation
Public Update from the Office of the Bishop
December 18, 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. There have been no new developments for several weeks.
Given the lack of new information at this time, the Office of the Bishop will transition away from issuing weekly public updates. Future updates will be shared on an as-needed basis, should new, verified information become available. This change reflects the current status of the investigation, not a reduction in attention, care, or oversight.
The Office of the Bishop—under the leadership of Acting Bishop Pastor Mike Girlinghouse—remains fully committed to clear communication, pastoral care, and transparency. We continue to monitor the situation closely and to support congregations, rostered ministers, and lay leaders as questions or concerns arise. Communication channels remain open, and we encourage leaders to reach out at any time.
Pastors and deacons are encouraged to remain attentive to their communities and to contact the Office of the Bishop with any pastoral care needs or inquiries 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 accompanies 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)