People of hope,
It is with a heavy heart that I share with you news that a member of the Lutheran Youth Ministry community here in the Phoenix Valley, Mr. Casey Goslin, has been detained by federal law enforcement as a part of an ongoing investigation related to child sex trafficking and the production of child sexual abuse material.
Mr. Goslin is the former leader of PhLY, a valley wide youth initiative that had a brief involvement with Esperanza, including a lock-in that took place on our campus prior to my tenure at Esperanza. He was also until recently involved in the Lutheran Campformation program that involves youth from around the Grand Canyon Synod, including youth from Esperanza Lutheran Church.
I can say with confidence that our child safety procedures ensure there is always more than one adult present with youth at any event that happens here at Esperanza, as well as at Campformation events. We have zero indication that any member of our faith community has been harmed or were involved in the situations leading to Mr. Goslin’s arrest. If you or someone you know has been impacted by the actions of Mr. Goslin, I encourage you to let us know as you are comfortable, and please notify law enforcement.
If you would like more information, Bishop Hutterer has released an official statement on behalf of the Grand Canyon Synod. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly regarding any concerns you may have. If any information we receive changes the facts regarding impacts on the Esperanza community, we will share them as is appropriate.
Thank you for your trust and understanding as we navigate these challenging circumstances. I invite you to pray for our community, for any potential victims of abuse, for the leaders of various faith groups who are attempting to navigate these waters, and if you are able, for Casey and his family. We trust in the reconciling work of God that is found in Jesus Christ, and hope for healing and justice for all God’s creation.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Chris Heller