You may have learned from news reports that Morgan Geyser, one of the perpetrators of the 2014 Slender Man stabbing in Waukesha, attended services at Good Shepherd’s Madison campus the past few weeks. No one at the church, nor the Madison Police Department, knew she had been moved to a group home near the Madison campus. While visiting Good Shepherd, she became friends with another recent attendee, Chad “Charly” Mecca. Saturday night, police said Geyser, with Mecca’s help, cut off her ankle bracelet and tried to flee the state. Geyser and Mecca were found at a truck stop outside Chicago and now face charges.

Our leadership acknowledges this incident touched Good Shepherd and affirms our responsibility to address congregational concerns. Good Shepherd is cooperating fully with law enforcement and, at this time, has no indication anyone else in our church community was involved.

Good Shepherd is committed to welcoming all to love God by building inclusive, grace-filled communities where everyone belongs. At the same time, we understand the importance and challenge of creating and maintaining a safe worship environment for our members and visitors.

We will continue our ongoing review of Good Shepherd’s safety and security plans in the next few weeks as we seek to balance our mission to welcome all, while keeping our members and visitors safe.