Shankill Parish Church in Lurgan, Co Armagh
News of the investigation at the Church of Ireland was revealed in a letter to parishioners from Church Rector Rev Mark Harvey, Clint Aiken reports in the Belfast News Letter.
In his letter Rev Harvey stated: “Shortly before the onset of lockdown, some major irregularities were identified in relation to our parish finances.”
He said the Select Vestry immediately engaged specialist charity solicitors who informed the PSNI and the Charity Commission.
Rev Harvey added: “From the outset, the matter has been in the hands of the PSNI and we have been acting on legal advice.”
He went on; “In line with this advice, I have refrained until now from disclosing this to the wider parish.
“Over the past number of weeks however, rumours have begun to circulate and so I believe it is only right to take this initiative and inform you now.
“If you have been approached about these matters or heard any such speculation, I can only apologise that this has happened before I was in a position to inform you.”
Rev Harvey pointed out: “Because of the ongoing criminal investigation, I am not able to disclose much information, I can, however, tell you that an initial sum has been repaid to the parish and whilst this is encouraging and an answer to our prayers, there are still many questions to be resolved and PSNI enquiries are continuing.
“This is a complicated and arduous process, but it is important for you to know that all the correct steps have been taken since the situation was uncovered and will continue to be taken.”
He said he was sure parishioners “will be experiencing a whirlwind of emotions and may indeed be struggling to believe” what they were reading.
“We are each affected, but as the church of Jesus Christ we are called to model forgiveness, and that is a choice that we must make individually and corporately in the days and weeks ahead as things unfold further.”
He asked for prayers for all those impacted by the situation and asked parishioners to pray for “the Lord’s wisdom for the Select Vestry and myself, and His blessing on us as a Parish”.
Rev Harvey closed his letter by assuring parishioners they would be kept informed in line with legal advice.
The Diocese of Down and Dromore issued the following statement: “This matter is in the hands of the PSNI. The diocese is confident that Shankill Parish Select Vestry and the rector have, upon the discovery of these financial irregularities, acted with complete integrity and efficiency.”
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