Columbia, SC – The South Carolina Conference is in prayer for all those connected with the St. John’s United Methodist church family in Lugoff. Recent reports of an arrest for breach of trust with fraudulent intent and forgery remind us that churches are vulnerable as communities of trust.
General Church policy guides each church to conduct an annual audit in order to independently verify the reports of the treasurer and financial secretary and review accounting controls. St. John’s United Methodist Church was alerted to the fraudulent activity and took appropriate steps.
Violations of trust in a community of faith are difficult. The church will need our prayerful support as they heal even as they have faith that God sustains the congregation on this journey.
St. John’s United Methodist Church is saddened by the recent events affecting our church finances and our church family,” said Rev. Michael Leonhardt, Senior Pastor. “We are a very loving, spiritual family, and we know we will get through this together. We are also proud of our congregation for the wonderful way they have come together in support of their church.”
Contact:
Matt Brodie
Director of Communications
South Carolina United Methodist Conference
803-786-9486
