Brothers and sisters in Christ,

We have some very sad and disturbing news to share with you.

On Wed., Nov. 16, we were informed that WELS Director of Communications Mr. Joel Hochmuth was arrested on charges of possessing child pornography. Acting on a tip from the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force, officers executed search warrants at his home and at the synod administration building and seized computers and other items as a part of their investigation.

At this time, we know only what was contained in the police report and reported in the media. Those reports indicate that images of child pornography were found on the seized computers and on data storage devices.

Hochmuth has been employed for the past five years in the WELS administrative headquarters as the director of communications.

We take allegations such as these very seriously and emphasize that WELS has absolutely no tolerance for the kind of behavior that has been alleged. Hochmuth’s employment with the synod has been suspended until the facts of the case are fully known.

We have informed the authorities that we are committed to cooperate fully with them in their investigation. 

We pray for God’s gracious care and healing for the Hochmuth family. 

We pray for the innocent victims of the production and distribution of child pornography wherever and whenever it occurs. 

We also ask for your continuing prayers for our synod. Satan is truly a powerful enemy seeking to undermine and destroy God’s people and his church. But we pray that our heavenly Father would remind us that we have a more powerful God who promises that the gates of hell itself will not prevail against his church.

Serving with you in Christ,
Rev. Mark Schroeder, WELS President