The United Methodist Church is investigating an unspecified complaint against former Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, less than a week after he resigned from office following a separate state investigation that substantiated allegations of sexual harassment and ethics violations.
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi disclosed the complaint in a letter to members of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference, saying the denomination had begun handling the matter under its established procedures.
“I write to inform you that I have received a complaint concerning Rev. Dale Caldwell, Lt. Governor of New Jersey and licensed local pastor,” Moore-Koikoi said. “The complaint is being processed according to the policies and procedures of The United Methodist Church.”
The bishop did not disclose the nature of the complaint, who filed it, when it was received, or whether it is related to the allegations that led to Caldwell’s resignation from state government.
Caldwell, 66, is the pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield and returned to the pulpit there Sunday, just two days after stepping down as lieutenant governor.
His sermon, titled “When Lies Become Weapons,” focused heavily on false accusations and questioned whether investigations and other official proceedings necessarily establish the truth.
Caldwell resigned Friday after Gov. Mikie Sherrill called for him to step down following the release of a 61-page report prepared by former Attorney General Christopher Porrino and attorneys at Lowenstein Sandler.
That investigation found that Caldwell sexually harassed a female staffer and violated state ethics rules by bringing personal guests to ticketed events without paying for their admission and by advocating for a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship without disclosing the relationship.
Caldwell has vigorously disputed those findings.
In a detailed response obtained by the New Jersey Globe this week, Caldwell denied making the most serious sexual comment attributed to him, accused investigators of giving undue weight to one staffer’s account, and said he was denied a meaningful opportunity to respond to the allegations before the report was released.
“There is no credible evidence of sexual harassment in the report,” Caldwell said. “There is no credible evidence of intentional ethical violations in the report either.”
Sherrill’s office has stood behind the investigation and its conclusions, calling the inquiry independent and defending the governor’s decision to seek Caldwell’s resignation.
The United Methodist complaint now opens a separate process involving Caldwell’s role as a minister.
Moore-Koikoi’s letter does not say whether Caldwell will remain pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church while the complaint is reviewed or what disciplinary action could result from the process.
The bishop urged conference members not to prejudge the matter.
“I invite you to be in prayer with me for Rev. Caldwell, for Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield, and all those impacted by this process,” Moore-Koikoi said. “As we move through this time, I urge you to keep your eyes fixed on the calling before you, and continue to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in all the places God sends you.”