Sask. pastor under investigation following online harassment allegations
Lutheran Church-Canada (LCC) is investigating a Saskatchewan pastor following allegations that he used an anonymous Twitter account to harass a Saskatoon blogger.
In a statement posted on its website, the church said Todd Guggenmos had been "publically accused of harassing an individual online."
The church also said it had received a screenshot of a message allegedly sent by Guggenmos' account that condones sexual relationships between adults and minors.
“We are committed to finding out the truth and are currently arranging for the engagement of an external investigator,” the LCC statement said.
“No person deserves to face harassment, as alleged in these complaints. And our church body strongly condemns pedophilia.”
LCC said Guggenmos has been placed on leave pending the outcome of its investigation.
Guggenmos serves in Saskatchewan's Triune Lutheran Parish — which includes churches in the communities of Langenburg, Landestreu and MacNutt.
The investigation comes after allegations of online harassment were made by blogger Tammy Robert concerning the Twitter account, @NotTammyR.
In a blog post, Robert said the tweets originating from the account were “breathtakingly vile.”
Robert said the account directed “vicious, personal attacks” at her over a roughly two-year period.
Robert said she believes Guggenmos is behind the account, based on “enterprising internet sleuths” who allegedly outed him.
CTV News has contacted Robert and is awaiting a response.
In a message to CTV News, Guggenmos said he is looking forward to receiving the report from the independent investigation.
“I did not ever tweet anything about sexual relations with minors. That tweet is an obvious fake and is libel,” Guggenmos said.
Robert alleges when she confronted Guggenmos, he denied the allegations.
Shortly after, his personal Twitter account and the @NotTammyR page were both deleted simultaneously, Robert alleges in her blog post.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.