Missing millions rock church

Millions of rands have disappeared in a financial scandal that has rocked the Anglican Church in the southern Cape.

But instead of laying criminal charges against the culprits identified by a team of forensic auditors, church elders have asked them to repay the money.

Parishioners at the George diocese are agog as details emerge about the extent of financial mismanagement and embezzlement of cash from the church.

The missing money - much of it donated by parishioners - had been held by the George diocese on behalf of its 31 parishes. The diocese is one of the largest Anglican congregations in South Africa, with about 40000 parishioners from Swellendam to Plettenberg Bay, and Ladismith to Graaff-Reinet and Beaufort West.

The drama came to a head on July 10 when the Metropolitan (archbishop) of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, the Right Rev Dr Thabo Makgoba, visited the diocese. On the same day, the bishop, the Right Rev Donald Harker, agreed to go on early retirement with effect from next week.

Harker declined this week to discuss the saga in detail, but agreed to answer some questions "for the sake of clarity".

"This is not a case for the newspapers. The church is dealing with it internally, in a spiritual manner," he told the Sunday Times at his official residence, Bishopslea.

Bishopslea is across the road from St Mark's Cathedral, a beautiful stone and stained-glass structure dating back to 1849 and the seat of the bishop of George.

"What I can say is that the two key officials that were entrusted with the church finances have since left the church. I also know that some money has been paid back to the church."

Harker said it was his decision to take early retirement. "I have 40 years' service. And when this was revealed, I took the responsibility because I was the head of the church."

A police spokesman, Captain Malcolm Pojie, confirmed that no criminal charges had been filed.

According to a statement issued by the church on Friday, it is confident most of the money will be recovered.

Rob Rogerson, the provincial treasurer of the church, said in another statement: "Those named in the audit are now being given the opportunity to answer. If anyone was enriched, without criminal intent, then that individual can pay back the money, or the church can attempt to get the money back through civil action."

The church has also set up an interim board to manage the finances and assets of the church until the next sitting of its synod.

It is not clear how much money in total was involved but an audit report with this information will be handed to Makgoba within days.

Harker said "millions are involved, but not as much as R6-million".

• eggingtons@sundaytimes.co.za