Diocesan News30 Apr 14

Parish Responds to Sentencing of Former Treasurer

The Church of Ireland Grouped Parishes of Culmore and Muff have responded to the sentencing of their former Treasurer for stealing some £60,000, or thereabouts, of parish funds. The Judge told the former Treasurer, ‘It is extremely disappointing that not a penny has been repaid’, and noted the ‘offending has adversely affected the financial future of the churches for a very long time into the future’. She was given a suspended sentence for the theft.

A spokesperson for the Parishes said, ‘The theft has been traumatic and painful for church members and we are continuing to work together to face both the financial loss and pastoral consequences of our former Treasurer’s breach of trust. Jesus’ call to forgive and pray for those who have wronged us is difficult and challenging. We can only continue to pray for the strength to behave, as God would have us.’ He continued, ‘We look forward to reading the judge’s full ruling to understand the appropriateness of a suspended sentence for a theft of some £60,000.’

The diocese and the Select Vestry of Muff and Culmore will be making no further comment on this matter.