Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation

  • Public Update from the Office of the Bishop

  • November 6, 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 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 transparency, pastoral care, and clear communication. In this season of waiting, our priority is to care for our leaders, congregations, and communities while maintaining steady, faithful ministry throughout the synod.

Our network of support continues to hold one another in prayer and conversation. We encourage leaders to remain attentive to any concerns within their congregations and ministries and to direct questions or needs for pastoral care to the Office of the Bishop.

We know that uncertainty can weigh heavily, and we give thanks for the patience, prayer, and care that so many have shown. Even as we await further clarity, we hold fast to the promise that God’s light continues to shine in the midst of all things, guiding us toward truth, healing, and hope.

—Office of the Bishop
Grand Canyon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

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