Dr. John Fiedler, the former pastor of Highland Park United Methodist Church (HPUMC) in Dallas, Texas, resigned following his arrest in October 2024 during a police sting at a massage parlor. The church, which boasts a congregation of over 15,000 members, is one of the largest Methodist congregations in the United States. Dr. Fiedler had served as the executive minister and was highly regarded within the church. However, this scandal led to his resignation, a decision that came after his arrest in the Dallas suburb of Carrollton.

The police operation took place on October 2, 2024, and was part of a broader law enforcement initiative to address illegal activities. Dr. Fiedler, who had no previous criminal history, was apprehended at the massage parlor, where police had received reports of suspicious activities. After the arrest, the former pastor surrendered to the Carrollton Police Department on October 31, 2024, and was taken into custody at the City of Carrollton Municipal Jail. A police report indicated that due to a lack of available officers, he was unable to be transferred to Collin County jail on the same day.

Mark Lassiter, Dr. Fiedler’s defense attorney, argued for his release on his own recognizance, citing his age—72 years—and his diagnosis of dementia. Lassiter also noted that Fiedler had no prior criminal record. The defense sought the release, supported by a consultation with a mental health professional. The request was ultimately approved, and Dr. Fiedler was granted a personal recognizance bond. He was released after posting a $1,000 bond. While the incident did not involve drugs or alcohol, police did confirm that the establishment where Fiedler was found had a history of connections to prostitution.

Despite the release, Dr. Fiedler’s legal team is contesting the ruling, and further legal proceedings are expected. Following this scandal, Dr. Fiedler made the decision to retire from his leadership role at HPUMC, effective December 31, 2024. His resignation marked the end of a long and notable career in ministry.

An archived version of HPUMC’s website provided details about Dr. Fiedler’s background. Raised in Texas, he graduated from Houston Westchester High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Knox College. Later, he attended Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree and was ordained within the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. His early career included serving as an associate minister and pastor-in-charge at churches in Lake Worth, Mansfield, and Hurst.

Dr. Fiedler’s most significant role was at First United Methodist Church in Dallas, where he served as senior minister from 1997 to 2013. During his tenure, he led the congregation through a period of revitalization, particularly in the city’s Arts District. In 2013, he transitioned to HPUMC, where he led the 11:00 a.m. sanctuary service and later directed the Mark Craig Leadership Network.

Dr. Fiedler’s personal life included his wife, Sydney, and their three adult children, as well as three grandchildren. His decades of service and leadership within the Methodist community had earned him a reputation as a respected pastor. However, this scandal has significantly impacted his legacy, casting a shadow over his career and his long tenure as a spiritual leader.