The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa operates a loan program for church development but not too many people knew about it.
Delegates to the 31st general assembly only learned of the loan program through the auditor’s report that was circulated at the conference.
Some delegates were upset saying if they had known about the loan program they would not have gone through the hassle of fundraising to finance needed development projects for their parishes.
As of May 31, 2016, 22 member churches of CCCAS had loaned from the Church Development Assistance Program (CDAP) which helps parishes with strengthening their individual mission.
Funding comes from the Matagaluega Night or Parish Night which is held during the bi-annual general conference.
About $156,000 was raised from this year’s event.
Two churches in the mainland, Satauro o le Manumalo and Elena Fou, have not made any payments on their loans.
The report lists Amanave CCCAS as the only parish which has paid off its $23,000 loan which was issued in 2013.
On another matter, the church’s Committee of Reverend Elders has relieved Rev. Tavita Tolo who was the pastor for Aasu CCCAS from his duties after he failed to turn in their “taulaga” or offering in the allotted timeframe according to the church’s constitution.
According to the Reverend Elders Committee resolutions distributed at the general assembly, there are other issues involving Rev. Tolo that has affected the church minister’s ability to continue serving the flock.
He also failed to heed counseling offered by the western district parish’s reverend elders.
