Glenview’s St. Philip Lutheran pastor resigns after allegations of inappropriate behavior

• Reprints

Pastor Eric Dawson | Pioneer Press file photo

Updated: February 27, 2012 8:43AM

The pastor of St. Philip Lutheran Church in Glenview has resigned his position after allegations of inappropriate language and speech with an adult parishioner.

Bishop Wayne Miller of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, released a statement Tuesday morning.

“We are very concerned about any allegations that are forwarded to us, and are interested in seeking, discovering, and sharing the truth,” Miller stated.

“In this case, the allegation of inappropriate language and speech was deemed conduct unbecoming of the ministerial office,” he stated.

Miller also met with about 40 parishioners Monday night at St. Philip, 1609 Pfingsten Road.

Only adult church members were allowed to hear Miller’s detailed account of Dawson’s alleged actions and ask questions, but Miller also answered questions after the 75-minute meeting.

Officials at the Metropolitan Chicago Synod said Dawson would not be placed in another Lutheran church. Synod officials also maintain Rev. Dawson’s actions were not in any way criminal.

“We’d like to give the press enough information, but with respect to people involved, we can’t do that without thinking this situation through,” Miller added. “I need to think it through our statement. Our focus is on healing for everybody.”

In a letter to St. Philip parishioners from the church council, Dawson’s resignation was effective Friday, following conversations with Miller.

“ … Pastor Dawson has behaved in ways that are inconsistent with the expectations of the pastoral office,” stated the letter, urging members to attend Monday’s meeting.

“Until then we continue to pray for the well-being of Pastor Dawson and his family, and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as move into leadership transition.”

Miller said he will meet with the congregation on Sunday to discuss replacing Dawson with an interim reverend.

St. Philip parishioners would only say Dawson was asked to leave for personal reasons, and Dawson was unavailable for comment on Monday.

Pastor Cynthia Hileman led worship services at St. Philip Sunday.

Ordained in 1980, Dawson had led St. Philip since April 2005, which had 205 members in 2010.

His previous churches were in Pennsylvania and Carol Stream.

Dawson holds a master’s degree in divinity from Philadelphia Lutheran Seminary, a master’s degree in theology from Princeton Seminary, N.J. and a doctorate in ministry from Bethany Seminary, Richmond, Ind.

At St. Philip, Dawson started one of first pet food pantries in Glenview in 2009, as well as opening the church on Tuesday nights for free hot meals in 2006.

Last Thanksgiving Day, the church also offered its first free holiday meal program to more than 60 people.

Throughout the year, St. Philip’s ministry provides food, clothes, toys, movies and free counseling to needy non-church members.