Church body removes pastor accused of sexual abuse from duties

The presidium of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church Abroad has relieved pastor Rolands Eimanis of his duties in its congregations, LSM reported. Several women have accused him of sexual abuse.

The church said the decision was based on several considerations, including its regulations, which allow the presidium to dismiss a clergyman for conduct harmful to the church. It also took into account allegations published in June and other information that had recently become public but was previously unknown to the presidium.

The decision took effect on September 10.

Two women previously told the Delfi news portal that Eimanis, who was born in 1968, had sexually abused them during their childhood and adolescence. Eimanis has denied abusing or luring anyone.

The alleged incidents took place in the early 2000s, when the women were minors involved in the life of a congregation in Baldone. They said Eimanis gradually established relationships of trust with them and later involved them in sexual activities that occurred repeatedly at his home.

One of the women reported the matter to the State Police as an adult, but criminal proceedings were not opened because the statute of limitations had expired. The alleged acts were classified under Article 161 of the Criminal Law in force at the time as the voluntary involvement of a minor in sexual activities. Until 2006, the limitation period for that offence was five years.

Prosecutor Baiba Balode said that applying a stricter provision adopted later retroactively was not permitted. The alleged victim said she had only recognised the nature of her experience in recent years through therapy. She did not appeal the police decision but was considering contacting the authorities again. In mid-September, the State Police did not tell the LETA news agency whether criminal proceedings had been opened against Eimanis.