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December 1, 2008 | 11:30 am

Pastor apologizes for charging $122k on church credit cards and not paying taxes

Posted by Brad A. Greenberg

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Let’s just say I would have been a wee-bit surprised if my pastor offered remarks like the pastor of First AME Church in Los Angeles did yesterday. Imagine sitting in the pews for this whopper:

Pastor John J. Hunter, 51, used church credit cards to pay for at least $122,000 in personal expenses, including family vacations, clothes, jewelry, bikes and auto supplies, The Times reported Sunday. He and church finance officials said he had signed an agreement to repay the money and instituted stricter accounting policies, such as spending guidelines and more frequent audits, to guard against future problems.

Hunter also told The Times that he is working with federal tax officials to repay back taxes, penalties and interest amassed over 17 years, which have resulted in federal tax liens of more than $309,000 against himself and his wife, Denise Brown Hunter. He explained that he had legally opted out of the Social Security system several years ago, as ministers are allowed to do, but that the IRS had no record of it and assessed the taxes.

On Sunday, before more than 6,000 congregants at three services, Hunter acknowledged that he had made mistakes and that it was “disconcerting and embarrassing” to see private church matters aired publicly. But he assured his flock that he had done nothing criminal and was working to resolve the problems, and that the church remained financially strong.

“I stand not as a perfect servant but one who tries to be a faithful servant,” Hunter said, drawing scattered applause and murmurs of approval from congregants at the 10 a.m. service. “Our church is in sound financial condition. We are solid, perhaps more so than we have ever been. Our future is bright.”

I’d hope it’s bright. Hunter isn’t operating some podunk church. First AME is the oldest, largest and most prominent African-American congregation, and it was led for 27 years by the Rev.—as in: revered legend—Cecil “Chip” Murray until he retired and joined the faculty of USC. Hunter took over in 2004.

It sounds like his followers don’t feel like they’ve been led astray. But mind you this is not the first time a church—any church—has been distracted by financial, um, “irregularities,” and such circumstances can’t help but drive some members to other congregations.

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Pastor John Hunter should have been vetted before he was allowed to take the helm of First AME.  After all, this is the flaship of the AME church.  There were rumors and allegations that he committed misdeeds in other Districts.

We are paying Pastor John and his wife a combined mid six figure salary.  Also, we provide them with a $2 million parsonage in Encino, as well as a healthy car allowance.  Why would they need to steal from us with this type of income?  Also, it is disturbing that Ms. Hunter is the President and Chief Operating Officer of all the corporate entities owned by the church; she is paid $150,000 per year.

Based upon his admission of guilt, I think Pastor John should resign.  The Board of Trustees and other church officials don’t seem to to understand the importance of making sure the church business is handled in accordance with the law.  Therefore, we should kick them out of office and restore oversight. 

Pastor John is privileged to be the senior pastor of the most esteemed black church in the country.  His behavior is inexcusable and should be dealt with at the highest level of the AME Church.

Comment by Wayne on 12/01/08 at 4:50 pm

Pastor John should do the right thing for the church and resign. What does it say about our churches leadership, by allowing someone who can not manage his own money situations, to continue to manage First A.M.E finances. It looks ridiculous!! Someone please do what is right for the faithful members who attend FAME.

Comment by lois on 12/02/08 at 10:38 pm

If 280 million and 40 million green card holders put $20 a month back into the social security credit card banking administration we could wean ourselfes off of taxes over a period of 5-10 years.
$6.4 billion a month back into the fund….. Who needs Greenspan or Bernicker when we can use credit to pay our tax…...online geld verdienen

Comment by online geld verdienen on 8/26/09 at 1:48 am

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