Funding issues

by Letters Editor · October 4, 2012

From Leonie Arries, George

I am looking with interest at how church funds have become a most popular topic of discussion among the flock. I am particularly concerned about the fact that whether I speak to my friends in Cape Town my sibling in Port Elizabeth, or my relatives locally, they all share the same sentiment. It is the same everywhere.

"I am also concerned about signatories who may misuse their positions, and parishioners remain ill-advised."

And the clergy quotes canon law this and canon law that. My concerns are where, on occasion, funds have gone missing and parishioners receive no explanation. I feel that parishioners have the right to ask for information about where their contributions go, but for some reason will not approach their parish priest. I am also concerned about signatories who may misuse their positions, and parishioners remain ill-advised.

I am uneasy about the fact that the clergy may choose without any criteria whom they wish to handle church funds. Here, the clergy also cite canon law.

Perhaps this is a good time for the clergy to be trained, skilled or advised about the law of the country.

The Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) 2001 gives a list of accountable institutions. It gives guidelines to persons who carry on the business of a money remitter.