"Also in regard to finances we want to apologize to you for the fact that money was not always spent wisely."
Boston Apology Letter – March 16, 2003
Note the "passive voice" construction of the sentence, typical of doublespeak. Conscientious people would say "we didn't spend your money wisely", rather than "the money was not spent wisely". This makes it seem as if it were somehow the money's fault!
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"However, there were times when other expenditures were in excess of what was appropriate and needed.
"
Boston Apology Letter – March 16, 2003
Note that there is no disclosure of the specifics here. This is typical of the ICOC's habit of "general" confession from leaders.
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"Funds from mission contributions collected in the U.S. will be used exclusively for mission work and for administrative and ministry support of such work, and the combined costs of administrative and ministry support will be reduced to 20% or less of the total amount collected.
"
CSA Leadership Letter -- Spring 2003
Note: This is in the context of "proposed changes" to be made to CSA policies. Therefore, it is a clear indication that monies in excess of 20% of the contributions received had previously been spent on CSA's administrative overhead. It is interesting to note that the CSA leadership didn't think the members were entitled to know the actual percentage.
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"Some of the more intimidated (administrators), have been involved in wholesale financial mismanagement…."
Henry Kriete Letter -- Spring 2003
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"The letter last July stated, "we have not managed our finances as responsibly as we should have" and in some of the
follow-up talks last summer the term "financial mismanagement" was used."
Washington, D.C. Church Apology Letter -- March 1, 2003
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"To carry out its oversight of the Church's administration and financial affairs, the Board relies upon the financial and other information provided to it by the Church's administrative staff, as it is legally permitted to do. Thus, the Board is reliant upon the skills and expertise of the administrative staff. In a growing church such as ours, the demands of the position sometimes grow faster than the skills and experience of the staff member filing it, although this may not become apparent until some time later. In this way, the Board recently has come to realize in retrospect that some of the staff members providing information to earlier Boards were not adequate to the task, and that because those prior Boards relied upon this information they made judgments about the Church living within its means that the present Board has determined in retrospect it would have decided differently. We apologize that this happened. As soon as the Board became aware of the situation, the Board worked with church leadership to modify the budget to a level that could be sustained, and an announcement was made to let you know of the situation.
"
Washington, D.C. Church Apology Letter -- March 1, 2003
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"Due to the DC Financial situation the Church did make several terminations of staff members in order to be
financially responsible. In the past the priority has been placed on hiring staff to meet the needs of the average member.
"
Washington, D.C. Church Apology Letter -- March 1, 2003
Interesting statement! How was it "irresponsible" to "meet the needs of the average member" in the past? They admit to the financial mismanagement, but then try to pass it off, apparently, on their members being over-needy for the level of financial contributions they were making!
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"Not protecting the churches in San Diego and the Southwest. These churches have been incredibly sacrificial. We have sent hundreds of people as well as millions of dollars to support missions and ministries around the world. However, our churches have been hurt so that others could be built up. We have lacked people and funds for our teen, campus, singles and other ministries."
Guillermo Adame Letter - Monday, April 14, 2003
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"There will be greater cuts in our present budget, including lay-offs of some paid staff members,
in order to balance the budget within our weekly contribution."
Denver Apology Letter -- March 14, 2003
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"We want to apologize for financially over-extending the church.
"
Dallas/Ft. Worth Apology Letter -- March 2, 2003
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"Better financial planning and realistic growth and expansion would have lowered the financial needs. We are sorry for over-burdening the church.
"
Dallas/Ft. Worth Apology Letter -- March 2, 2003
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"Staffs were cut by more than 20 percent,
responsible budgets were created, and significant efforts were made to increase the efficiency of the remaining administrative and ministry staff."
Los Angeles Apology Letter -- Feb 28, 2003
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"The sin was compounded by what were at times
unreasonable budget increases that should have been prevented by better planning."
Los Angeles Apology Letter -- Feb 28, 2003
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"We are now tracking revenue and expenses by each region that meets separately. This information has been made available to the membership."
New York Apology Letter -- Spring 2003
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"Financially over-extending the church"
Toronto Apology Letter -- April 9, 2003
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"Untimely expenditures"
Toronto Apology Letter -- April 9, 2003
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents
"We are committed to balancing the budget of the NYCCOC and helping each region to live within its means."
New York Apology Letter -- Spring 2003
Applicable Laws/Policies/Documents