If this was not such a serious issue, I would be cracking up, tears running down my cheeks laughing!!!

It is so funny how we trust. hide, condone the man / woman who wears a collar! Let us all keep in mind first and formost these "people" are human beings and are not above committing "crimes".
So while some people want to wait on the heavenly justice, some earthly justice needs to be done as well!!

There is nothing new under the sun. Jesus himself said that the wheat and the tears should grow together until the time of harvest. Wrongdoing should NEVER be condoned. Additionally, people should not use the wrongdoing of others as an excuse to reject God. We each have to give an account of or lives to the Creator. He will not ask usto tell Him who the hypocrites are. He will ask me about me, and you about you. Yes there will always be wolf in sheep clothing, but when Jesus comes he will separate the sheep from the goat. Let's be sure we are sheep

What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and loose his own soul. Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36 & 37
NOTHING!!! One thing i have to say is that anytime anyone of us find a PERFECT CHURCH it's time for us to leave. I read the comments and persons are trying to justify whether the story is true or not, but according to what we in Antigua have seen!!!! the truth will or would reveal itself. Anything that is in darkness MUST, MUST COME TO LIGHT!!! So until then, my heart will go on singing. God Bless each & everyone of us!!!

Dessalines, again you seem unfamiliar with our income tax regulations. Perhaps its your dislike for religious leaders which causes this. Don't you recall caps being placed on benefits persons can claim? Here you are complaining about churches, when there are for profit corporations which get tax free concessions for over 20 years (with extensions). Wait perhaps it does not matter to you because the owners do not look like us? Yes you probably receive no direct benefit from churches. We can all live in the comfort knowing that come next hurricane season, government according to you can simply commandeer your house so a mass of people can benefit from it. How big is it again? Can it hold at least 50 persons?
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@ Tenman - your arguments would have held water 50 years ago when churches were ..well churches.
In 2013 they operate as businesses do (lawyers, accountants, boards, bank accounts, investments, profit loss etc)and they handle large amounts of money (10% of your monthly salary). A $5.00 in an envelope does not cut it for these neo salvation peddlers as the faithful are required to furnish employment income statements upon gaining membership. Pastors can get around paying taxes by using expense accounts which are in the hundreds of thousands so I just do not see your point. There is no valid reason why churches in this context should not pay taxes on the tithes they collect.
This church in question has already been hit with a foreign currency money laundering scandal which cost one member their job and two others suspensions from a local commercial bank. What more do they have to do to warrant regulation and taxation -sell weed????
As to churches used as relief centers this is a moot point since government has to power to commandeer private property for disaster relief anyway.

When we find God's annointed we will let you know. Do your so-called annointed have the right to molest our children. How about the one that was caught Flocking his daughter at Fort James? or the Principal/preac her who got away with molesting the little girl were they also annointed? Me and you are in the same boat, I am a believer also. I believ those SOB's should go to jail.

i was a member of the said church its no secret ppl already calling the church's name i did not move because of money been stole i left because envy overtook man the senior pastor was the best in antigua prayed for alot of ungreatful,envi ous,scandalous, ppl who talk well in the the dark but not for god pastor loved purely,listen,g ive,cared,helpe d and you all wait until in his grave to attack him why not attack a living man if he theif you txxxf because you all were apart of many enjoy the pay back more to come. i will as my pastor would the lord bless you all. love you many pastor and i will not stop

I am not surprised that something like this would be published because that's how mankind are we love the darkness rather than the light, the dirtier the news the sweeter for some people. I am a former member of the church in question, i am not there any longer not because i believe any of this rubbish but because i hate the accusations and the fact that it is coming from the top, where have we come to as christians when we can be taking each other to court, scandalizing and pulling down each other, Lord help us.This needs to stop and only the leaders that are there now can stop it ,cause they started it for their own agenda, IT"S A SHAME

i can see you have run out of important things to report because this is old news. this gossip story is badly written and majority of it isnt true. next time, be sure to check all you facts and your sources and make sure you are getting correct information

No man is prefect and that means no church is prefert either......I cant jugde them cause i dont have that right or power to do so only god. But i find some of the bloggers to be very naive in their thinking to believe that these church r prefert and the all fellow the word of god cause we know better. The Bible also say the devil is right up in the church at times. I am not saying what Caribarena has publish is true, I think more research investigation should have been down before the story was printed. NOTE. WE DONT KNOW WHO IS GOD APPOINTED one. Not because u go on the pulpit proclaim the word of god that means you r his appointed one ....becareful ppl the devil has ways and means to look like appointed man of christ.I am not saying the story is true but dont be naive open ur eyes and see the signs. The church aint prefert and history has show that time and time again ..Jim Jone took all those ppl to south america proclaiming the work of god and he kill each and everyone of them..u have the priest that were molesting the boys in the catholic church and parstors in other church..the church stood by and watch us as black ppl be enslaved

TIME TO INVESTIGATE ALL CHURCHES. MANY ARE CALLED FEW ARE CHOSEN.

Although I agree wit you that the article is vague and reads no more than tv soap. If more comes turns out to be true ,is the reporter going to hell for "touching the annointed and doing the prophets harm"?

MY WAY OF HELPING, your point is what I think Morris was making. So also am I. Give us the facts. The article is badly written. Anyway I have been assured that there is more to come, therefore patience is needed

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I know about this for over 3 years and I don't go Bible believers this old news to me.

I too was upset about the beating around the bush reporting but because of how damaging the accusation is, they can't publish names, as a lawsuit would follow for defamation etcetera, it would cause chaotic, severe damage to that organisation if untrue and all judges would award a crazy amount in this case, if accusation turn out to be false or not able to prove.

They must have proof before releasing names etcetera. However, i believe a report should not be published until accusation can be proven. Nothing should like this should be printed without evidence in support.

Mr. Wadalian you claim to know and to be an insider but what is reported here is not true....and for you to say that you know is to further the nonsense. It is the Church, the body of Christ that is under attack here, not individuals, I hope those of you who are Christians realise that. A word to Caribarena: please do not trade responsible journalism for salacious gossip...no matter hw intriguing it may be. I havent been on here for long and I appreciate the freshness of this site but remember to give the facts or at least be responsible with what you publish.

Caribarena, the Word of God says "Touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm." It also says that "Vengeance is mine saith the Lord". Finally, a word of caution to all those who have decided to jump on this band wagon of gossip and decide to spread things that they have no way of validating its authenticity. God says that he will contend with (deal with) those who contends (deals with) his children and though it may not impact you directly remember you have or will have children and God's wrath and judgement is NOT limited. If this is what you have to do in order to boost sales than SHAME! SHAME! SHAME! I thought you would have encouraged other media to come up to your standard not for you to stoop so low.

It is rather unfortunate that though this paper (which I personally thought would have brought a fresh air to journalism in Antigua and Barbuda as oppose to malicious gossip and half-hearted truths as was the norm in other newspapers for years) was unable to get feedback from the leadership of the church in question (whichever one it may be) that they decided to publish such an article. It is not only irresponsible since they even admit that the information is second hand but it is also malicious and defaming. Who is to say that the person who gave the information is not someone with a hidden agenda and who did not or do not like a member or members of that body and so decided to smear the name of that church and by extension God. We need to be careful with these kind of things.

I am so disheartened by the wanton, calos and disregard for the sacredness of the sanctity of the church. I think that your new media is very one sided, and needs togets their facts together. Even if you are a member of the church or to the body of christ, youhave no right,or legal authority to print such lies and one sided stories. You need to ask questions and seek out your information properly before you print. I think the management needs to be careful who they employed as journalist

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. ~1 Timothy 6:10

Gossip is not news . When some church folks don't get their desired positions they cause chaos .

This is so wrong to be saying that a Church which is the body of Christ is stealing money. It is written in Malachi Chapter 3 verse 7-12 about tithes and also in many chapters of the Bible that we must give our 10 percent in our lives and monetary also.
How can souls be save? How can God's House be full or maintain?
God wants nothing from us because everything is his, and if we fail to obey Him we will loose what we are holding on to and die without the presence of God.
When things are going wrong in your lives, who do you call upon for help? God! Isn't it? Well God is not your ** so you go and call the devil whom you freely give without question!!!

Unfortunately, this story is true. I know enough to say it's true. As for "Fence" who first commented and "Analyst" who commented second - i see you know more about this as well (even though Analyst twisted the name of the church a bit).

It is unfortunate but it is true. I too loved dearly the first Senior Pastor who was well respected and loved but has now gone to the grave beyond (which is why everything is now coming to light). Even the members of the BBF are now scattered and most have moved to SJPC (the largest congregation now in Antigua) or the Precision Centre. These are the cold facts my fellow citizens.

However, I say we all need to pray for ourselves, each other and our nation of Antigua & Barbuda. Let our God arise.

There are two sides to every story. And CaribArena seems to have forgotten that in their quest for a "headline". I doubt the truthfulness of this media house as they continue to print one-sided "melee". CaribArena, you are showing what your "heart" really looks like and that you love ugly. There are Two sides to every story and I hope those that are trying to mash up the people name remember to look "up" and not just around.

Dessalines even pastors must pay income tax once their income is beyond 36K a year. There is nowhere in the income tax act which excuses pastors from such filings. Your suggestion that a church organization pays no taxes is ludicrous. They do pay things like ABST and RRC charge. Yes exceptions are sometimes made for ABST (eg constructing a new church / major reconstruction) but you do a disservice when you try to sell it as the norm. They pay RRC on business related activities (eg a for profit elderly home). Ignored by you is that these churches are also used a disaster centers (hurricane shelters). They also provide other tax saving benefits to the community (eg free counseling, food drives for the poor etc). I have no problem with an argument that they must submit yearly financials in order to be treated as non profits and to ensure transparency. The problem (corruption) with these organizations, like many on this island, is that members, abscond from their duty, by not holding their leaders feet to the proverbial fire.
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All Christians the same, they wear two hats and two sets of clothes, and they speak out both sides they mouth.

I have read this so called story.In my opinion there is no story.It is finger pointing and not factual.If you Caribarena had all of the facts.You would have printed the name of that church.If you have all of the facts checked.There would be no need for law suits.This is nothing but gutter journalism,just like the tabloids in the UK,USA.This is also typical of Antiguans getting a half story and run like heck with it.Only to find out at the end when it all comes out.There was a nothing story in the first place.

I remember a time when wages were late and that was considered normal and on one dared down tools. I wonder why that was?

Who amoung us does not believe we steel from the people, from the sports teams, from the children in school, from the land and beaches? So why we surprised we steel from the lord?
To the people I say do not steel. That is the governments job!

And the son leave the wife with nothing but three boys, not a dollar, not a roof, nothing. These church fraud people are disgusting. They are so far from God, they do not believe in judgement, but eventually they will realize they ARE going to hell. Churches here, so many, are acting as money laundering pits. Collect from the poor to give to the rich. It's so wicked.

CaribArena, before you go and publish insinuations and "news" you should ensure that you are not publishing someone's evil vendetta. There are two sides to every story and not everything you hear is the way that it is presented to you. I am actually sorry for the "members" who brought you the "story" because they have a vendetta and God knows their heart. I think when people' are wrecking people's character, they look left, they look right, but they never look UP. God knows that nnocent people are being accused. I pray the truth prevails.

God is a God of justice and these lies will be exposed for what they are. Antiguans love ugly and especially when its untrue. God, you reign!

The church leaders must lead by example. Priests must obey the law of the land too. The Pope resigned seemingly feeling guilty but unable to say it. They are human and they are all subjected to God's judgement too. Thou shall not steal.

Innuendos does not make for good journalism. Caribarena should have investigated further and provide more salient facts rather than what amounts to gossip and finger pointing. This is irresponsible journalism.

This is 2000 year old news, one named Jesus told us it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle then it is for a rich man to got to heaven.
Chef was told he made this statement after he physically had beaten the money changers out of the temple.... So trust me Jesus knew what the bleep he was talking about with that one.. There is no big surprise here it was just a matter of time : you can believe your bible on that one"

I've been ridiculed for suggesting on this forum that churches should pay taxes or at least file an annual report with the Inland Revenue Department like any other business or NGO.
Most of these churches are flush with cash yet we the poor and struggling tax payer still subsidize their operations through duty free and property tax exemptions to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. All this while we're unable to pay our teachers who do provide an necessary service. We also foot the bill for the free advertising (services) on Sundays on ABS TV and radio. Can we afford it while pensioners cannot get paid? There is no logical reason why religious institutions should not report earnings to the IRD or be placed under the monetary supervision of the ECCB.
We all know the formula (men + huge sums of money) * secrecy = corruption. It goes for politicians, **ed bankers, law enforcement and trust me when I say that the pastors and bishops are not at all exempt.

What is up with all of this beating around the bush reporting? There should be nothing to fear in saying that the members of congregation X allege that there is financial irregularities by church officials. There are ways to identify without incurring lawsuits, so why not use them? There is absolutely no benefit in reporting half of the story or he said/she said as it does more harm than good; either report the full story or don't report at all.

THIS IS ANTIGUA....NO ACCOUNTABILITY. ...ONCE YOUR CONNECTED, ITS A SWEET RIDE..LOL

My father is RICH in houses and land. He have gone to prepared a place for us, a place on like any other and when we get there we gonna walk on streets of of PURE GOLD. We read in the bible of the many miracles God perform, the parting of the red sea, blind see, lame walk, water to wine, fed thousands from two loaf of bread and fish and the big one when he ask his buddy Lazarus to come forth. Now if you check, these were all done out of love, God never once ask for payment in return. Yes he said 10% but that don't have to be to a church, look around you and give your 10%. Picture this my pastor driving a Benz, rolex watch, and a mansion, am paying rent, out of a job and catching the bus and hungry. In the days of the bible we heard of christians, today a new denomination pops up at every corner and yet with all these churches and the love of God in our hearts the suffering and scheming continues.

If true, sounds like criminal activity rather than a simple civil matter....

Now people dont ask Caribarena to call the name of the church, in due time it will all be reveal (hopefully). Caribarena I hope you will continue to do more research on this and bring more light to this matter in a further update.

If this story is true lord have mercy on them(the church) only you can judge the living and the die when that day comes when ever it maybe. Its sad to see people in the church misusing the church funds and using the church to gain accepts to funds for their own personal use......

Church is where two or three gather in the name of god.

Question> What have some of these church really do or have done for the communities they are in and for the country as a whole besides praying for the nation and having church?.......I am serious with that question cause i aint seeing anything no true presentes of the church. I am not going to tell u i am a christian but I belive in god the father, god the son and god the holy spirit (the word of god)

And I will finish with these words " WHO HVE NOT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE!"

Chalkdust is famous for saying calypsonians should learn the art of masking so that when you listen to the song you will know what they are trying to say without them saying it. i would say the same applies to newspaper writers who do not want to be hit with a law suit. this story sounds like nothing more than gossip with no hint of what who or when. whear is the bee, for this to be your headlin?

Give generously and you shall receive....in the meanwhile I shall collect while you are waiting to receive. Men who profess to be close to god should be humble and simple and not look for the assets they are accumulating for themselves off of people's givings. Look at the billions of dollars of bling the Vatican has amid worldwide hunger and poverty of its flock.

Quote:

It was revealed that the church's financial board was said to have authorized two senior members to seek financing from a bank in downtown St John's, and that two prominent members had obtained a loan of over $3 M for the construction of a church outside the city.

and? what**?

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Operant conditioning AGAIN? LARD HAVE MERCY, How do you heal an entire nation? I don't know but I do know they should all go to jail. I keep telling you guys. The Big and Mighty in Antigua EAT POOR PEOPLE FOOD ALL DAY. They sex your wife and your children with their hands in your pocket. You pay their utilities, you supply their business, you pay for their mansions, you pay for their cars and their school fees. YOU HAVE BEEN CONDITIONED TO DO THIS OVER THE YEARS. END CURRUPTION NOW!

OH THE LORD IS SOOOOOO GONNA DEALWITH U PPL... COULD THIS BE THE BLUE ROOF BUILDING?? IM JUS ASKIN!!

God has his own investigators and they are experts in solving cases. His judgement system is also perfect. No one should ever play warri with God. I learned from my experience in short life of this beautiful earth to leave judgment unto him. He is watching over everything and He is excellent in separating the goats from the sheep. Take heed to his words my people. Please pray for our leaders, pastors, laymen, and all the people of A&B so that God will be amongst us Amen.

Honestly this article reads like a Percival Simon's ZDK rant, that I can't stand. The job of a media house is to provide facts to the reading public. The article is all about innuendo shown by the fact that you did not state the church. The following:
Quote:

It was also revealed that some of the money had been misappropriated in purchasing mini vans and heavy duty equipment said to be registered to a company, as opposed to the members of the congregation.

does not say much. What if the business is owned by the church? I will admit to having some issues with the type of wealth I see some local pastors showing while the average congregant are struggling. Caribarena, if I want to read soap opera i watch CBS at the set time.
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It's about time someone did something about the "Believers of the Bible" church and the alleged fraud they're committing.

Are u guys aerious? Now u want to do something when the father already passed on. No one saw the expensive escalade that the father use to drive? Now the sons took it and make runaway is now all you thinking to do something. A prominent western money transfer union company had to terminate one of the xxx. What about the wrecker truck and the building in st johnsons village? Chupz too late for this now.