Official Statement from the Wisconsin Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

June 6, 2023

The below may be attributed as a statement from the Wisconsin Conference of Seventh-day Adventists:

Fall River, Wisconsin – The Wisconsin Conference of Seventh-day Adventists recently learned of alleged illegal actions by Cory Herthel, a pastor in the Conference’s employment. Per longstanding policy, the Conference immediately informed the appropriate authorities about the allegations.

Even in advance of a legal conclusion to this case, the Wisconsin Conference determined that the behavior in question was a serious violation of the values and standards of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Therefore the pastor’s employment has been terminated. Additionally, his ministerial credentials and ordination will be revoked, preventing future employment within the Seventh-day Adventist church.

The Wisconsin Conference is deeply saddened by this abhorrent situation and is praying both for the victim and any others affected by the pastor’s actions. Their hope is that their prompt actions, upon first learning of the serious allegations, may have prevented further harm.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a mainstream Protestant Denomination with approximately 20 million members worldwide. The denomination seeks to help all people know the love of God and that Jesus is coming again soon. Sadly, the actions of this pastor did not show God’s love and for that the Wisconsin Conference is heartbroken.

For additional information, contact:
MinDir@wi.adventist.org