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NEW JERSEY (WTXF) - The parishioners of the 150-year-old St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church are in shock over the sudden departure of Pastor David Jost. The bishop tells FOX 29 she met with a woman who had a credible complaint that Jost had an inappropriate relationship.
Parishioners were called to an afternoon meeting Sunday by letter with Bishop Tracie Bartholome. In a recording of the gathering obtained by FOX 29, Bartholomew spoke of Jost.
"A number of weeks ago, I was contacted by a individual with a credible complaint your pastor engaged in an inappropriate relationship with an adult married woman--a member of this congregation-- who is not his wife," Bishop Tracie Bartholomew said in the recording.
Bartholomew told the 50 to 75 people gathered she then conducted her own investigation.
"I received additional reports ranging from unwanted advances to other inappropriate behavior on the part of the pastor," the recording said.
Bartholomew--on the phone with FOX 29--says Jost admitted to some of the allegations and agreed to retire on January 3.
A woman came to the door at Jost's Lumberton home Monday, but wouldn't open it.
Bartholomew says Jost's behavior is not criminal and she's not contracted law enforcement.
Churchgoers say they're saddened.