Inside a ProPublica Investigation: Faith, Abuse, and Institutional Silence

**Warning*** This episode contains discussion about sexual abuse

Investigative reporter Jessica Lussenhop joins Faithful Politics to discuss her ProPublica investigation into sexual abuse and institutional silence inside the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church. Alongside reporter Andy Mannix, she walks through how a single criminal case in Minnesota exposed a broader system of internal “forgiveness sessions,” unreported abuse, and failures of accountability. The conversation also explores how investigative journalists verify survivor accounts, the role of clergy privilege laws, and why transparency inside religious institutions matters. This episode examines the intersection of faith, authority, and justice—and what happens when communities prioritize internal resolution over public accountability.

Learn more:

Young Girls Were Sexually Abused by a Church Member. They Were Told to Forgive and Forget.

5 Takeaways From Our Investigation Into How Leaders of a Minnesota Church Community Enabled a Child Abuser

What a Recorded Interview Between Police and Preachers Reveals About How a Minnesota Church Handled Sexual Abuse

Guest Bios

Jessica Lussenhop

Jessica Lussenhop is an investigative reporter with ProPublica covering institutional failures, criminal justice, and accountability. She reports on how systems impact vulnerable communities and is the host of an upcoming ProPublica investigative podcast.

Andy Mannix

Andy Mannix is an investigative reporter with ProPublica and former Minnesota Star Tribune journalist. His work focuses on policing, public institutions, and accountability, with extensive reporting experience in Minneapolis.