Controversy is brewing within the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa after a decision to “forgive” a church member, Fata Ueligitone Malifa, for the alleged misappropriation of $960,000 tālā from the Auckland Parish in 2019.
The Samoa Observer reports that CCCS General Secretary Reverend Dr. Taipisia Leilua said this was a “whole-of-church decision” made during the general conference in Malua, two weeks ago.
The $960,000 tālā is linked to the Auckland Parish’s unaccounted funds in 2019 when Fata was the Assistant Treasurer.
The issue was first raised during the General Assembly in 2019 after the former chairman of the Finance Committee, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, tabled the Church Finance Committee’s Annual report for the year 2018.
Rev. Leilua said the church’s General Purpose Committee was tasked to look into the matter and it was decided that the church would head to court.
“But there was always that precaution of the church going to court with this kind of issue. So, the delay was because of the need to find more and more into the story of what actually happened,” he said.
After several years, Fata Ueligitone continued to maintain his position of saying that there are other people involved.
“But the church does not know about that. They don’t know the truth about all that.”
Rev. Leilua said the church decided against going to court adding the decision was not easy because of the amount involved.
He said ultimately it was a decision made by the organization, and it was voted upon.
He acknowledged that many church members are unhappy with the decision.
Fata Ueli was approached for a comment and he warned not to touch the subject, as it was done and dusted.
