Dennis Rader, 59, who was arrested last week in connection with the investigation into the BTK serial killer murders, was employed as a compliance officer for animal control by nearby Park City, Kansas. Reports said he was a former cub scout leader and a leader in his local church.
In fact, Rader was listed as the president of the Christ Lutheran Church congregation, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), according to the church's web site, before the site was removed from the Internet over the weekend.
BTK's Pastor Speaks
Prior to its removal, Pastor Michael Clark posted a "special news release" on the web site. The news release said:My name is Michael Clark. I am the pastor here at Christ Lutheran Church. I want to say that on my behalf and the behalf of the leaders of this congregation we will cooperate completely in the ongoing investigation of the matter regarding Dennis Rader. We first became aware of this investigation on Friday, February 25, 2005.
Dennis is a member of Christ Lutheran Church. He has held leadership positions here at Christ Lutheran over the course of approximately 30 years as a member.
We are all concerned for Dennis Rader and his family. We lift up our prayers in support of all of them. The members of Christ Lutheran Church are in a state of shock and bewilderment about the turn of events that have unfolded this week.
We lift up our prayers, support and compassion for the victims and family members involved with the BTK murders. We ask for care and compassion of the Wichita community as this congregation deals with this tragic and difficult situation.
Michael G. Clark, Pastor
