Complaint on Church Accounts Leads to Record Submission, Verification Underway

Proddatur – Andhra Pradesh: An official from a central government department recently visited a local church and sought submission of financial records after receiving a written complaint from certain members (believers) regarding transparency in the church’s accounts. Church authorities confirmed that the requested documents were submitted within the stipulated time. The matter is currently under verification.

Church leadership asserts accountability

Church leadership stated that the accounts have been maintained up to date, which enabled them to furnish the records promptly. According to the leadership, financial details are periodically announced in weekly meetings, and believers are welcome to seek clarifications regarding the accounts.

The leadership maintained that offerings made by members are administered responsibly and used toward the church’s spiritual and administrative functions. It added that various spiritual programmes have been conducted during the present administration with the support of the congregation, and expressed confidence that the verification process would clarify the concerns raised.

Complainants seek transparency

Meanwhile, some church members confirmed that they had submitted the complaint to a central authority, stating that they were seeking greater transparency in the management of church finances. According to them, the matter had earlier been brought to the attention of church leadership.

The complainants alleged that they did not receive an adequate platform to address their concerns internally and therefore approached the authorities as an alternative measure, under the guidance of their leadership. They maintained that their main intention was not to harm the church’s reputation but to ensure clarity in financial matters for the edification of the congregation.

They also appealed to fellow members to view the complaint as an effort toward strengthening accountability rather than creating division and harm.

Matter under verification

With the records now submitted, the issue remains under verification. No conclusions have been announced so far, and both sides have expressed hope that the process will bring clarity to the concerns raised.