Episcopal Press and News

FLORIDA: Funds reported missing from Tallahassee church; investigation ongoing

Episcopal News Service. February 4, 2008 [020408-03]

Lisa B. Hamilton, Correspondent for Episcopal Life Media in Provinces I and IV

A "substantial" amount of money has reportedly been stolen from the Episcopal Church of the Advent, in Tallahassee, Florida and a former church employee is currently under investigation.

According to reports in The Tallahassee Democrat, the stolen figure is between $100,000 and $200,000, but an unnamed source says that estimate is incorrect.

A December audit discovered the financial irregularities. About 100 parishioners, Interim Rector Joan Pritcher, Bishop John Howard and other diocesan officials met to discuss the situation and to worship on January 30.

Officials at the Episcopal Diocese of Florida and Church of the Advent have declined to comment while the investigation is ongoing.

Average Sunday attendance at Church of the Advent is approximately 130.