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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.