San Francisco, CA
First transgender Lutheran bishop from San Francisco sues church alleging discrimination
First transgender Lutheran bishop from San Francisco sues church alleging discrimination
The primary overtly transgender Lutheran bishop from San Francisco is suing the church alleging harassment, defamation and whistleblowing retaliation.
BURLINGAME, Calif. – The primary overtly transgender Lutheran bishop from San Francisco is suing the church alleging harassment, defamation and whistleblowing retaliation.
Megan Rohrer stated he was defamed, misgendered and compelled out of the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
“It’s been actually baffling to me the extent of specific transphobia I’ve skilled in my journey as bishop,” he stated. “It’s painful.”
Rohrer was celebrated as the primary elected transgender bishop within the church in 2021, a task he solely held for a few 12 months. He resigned amid allegations of racism following the firing of a lower-ranking reverend.
It is alleged the church directed Rohrer to terminate that reverend following an investigation however allowed falsehoods to unfold.
“The church simply may have corrected the document,” he stated. “As an alternative they put forth misinformation on goal.”
Rohrer fired again by submitting a lawsuit on Thursday in U.S. District Courtroom — Northern District of California claiming a hostile work setting and harassment and infliction of emotional misery. He stated he was repeatedly put down and discriminated towards by each clergy and congregants.
“When it occurs in your church group…it hurts in an additional particular approach,” Rohrer stated.
He obtained fixed violent threats, was subjected to a concerted hate marketing campaign that known as him a racist, and was repeatedly or deliberately misgendered 44 separate occasions, in keeping with the lawsuit.
The Sierra Pacific Synod of the church, which covers congregations in Northern California and components of Nevada, didn’t reply to KTVU’s request for remark.
Rhorer’s lawyer stated church management resisted and ridiculed him submitting the harassment declare on the premise of sexual orientation and gender identification.
“It’s outrageous that nowadays somebody as unbelievable and devoted as Rev. Rohrer could be handled as egregiously because the church has handled him,” Tamarah Prevost, lawyer with Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP stated. “Our hope is {that a} message is distributed to the church that this conduct is unacceptable.”
Rohrer instructed KTVU he’s pushing for change in a church that claims it welcomes and respects all folks. He hopes to restore his popularity whereas sending a message of inclusion.
“I’ve a really sturdy religion nonetheless,” Rohrer stated. “However my religion within the church isn’t as sturdy.”
Brooks Jarosz is an investigative reporter for KTVU. E mail him at brooks.jarosz@fox.com and comply with him on Fb and Twitter @BrooksKTVU