Holding compassion accountable

As chief operating officer of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, I write out of concern about suggestions in the Oct. 24 front-page article “U.S. Anglican Church leader accused of sexual misconduct” that cast suspicion on our parish’s long-standing practice of assisting those in financial need.

There was nothing inappropriate about our senior pastor’s distribution of financial assistance to a female member of our staff.

But it is an established practice at St. Andrew’s that our clergy, staff and vestry intentionally seek to help parishioners and staff members who face financial hardship. These acts of care are expressed through several benevolence funds established for precisely that purpose. Each fund operates under well-defined policies that include multiple layers of accountability, including vestry oversight, staff documentation and regular auditing by an independent accounting firm.

To characterize this compassion as something improper misunderstands both the intent and the integrity of our community. At its heart, the ministry of St. Andrew’s strives to care thoughtfully and holistically for those in our congregation and our wider community. Extending financial assistance in times of crisis is one of the most tangible ways a church can embody the gospel it proclaims. To imply that an example of such generosity is suspect or nefarious diminishes the good faith and tireless service of those who support and administer these ministries.

We remain committed to upholding both compassion and accountability in all we do, confident that our practices reflect the core values of Christian stewardship and transparency.

Beth Colley, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina