Red Wing pastor resigns after prostitution charge

RED WING, Minn. -- First Presbyterian Church of Red Wing leadership has called a special meeting Sunday following the resignation of Pastor Gary Elg.

Elg's resignation came last week, after he told church officials that he had been arrested on prostitution allegations.

"I have failed you as a pastor and a friend," Elg was quoted as saying in a letter sent out to church members Friday. "I have crossed some serious ethical and moral boundaries."

Elg was cited in St. Paul July 24 for allegedly exchanging money for sex with an undercover officer, according to a citation from St. Paul Police Department. He was charged July 25 with misdemeanor prostitution-patron.

Elg has served as pastor at First Presbyterian for 23 years.

Elg said in his statement that he will be seeking help for "some personal and mental health issues."