Proposals for Transparency_Full Disclosure of Financial Matters

The following proposal, one of the three "Proposals for Transparency," was submitted, in one form or another, in 2004, 2008, and 2010, in an attempt to try to lift the cloak of secrecy that has for too long draped our beloved organization, creating mistrust between leadership and ministers. Alas, in all instances, these proposals were REJECTED by Church of God leadership.


PROPOSAL: Open Financial Records

Inasmuch as the leadership of the Church of God has embarked upon a “Quest for Trust,” it behooves us as a holiness church to hold the highest of standards in terms of responsibility and accountability. Thus, when the CEO's of major corporations can shamelessly reveal that they have made millions of dollars in the past year, and when the leaders of our nation must provide detailed records of their dealings, how much more should the Church of God lead the way with open, honest, public reporting of our finances?

There is no issue in the Church of God that has created more mistrust between the field and leadership than the fact that the salaries of executives, and the itemization of departmental budgets/expenditures, are either purposely withheld from open disclosure, or are only revealed upon specific request. Yes, one can obtain this information, but only, apparently, by first obtaining a reference from their pastor and promising not to publicize the records (i.e., this information is not freely available). Further, it should be noted that such a request could place cause a person to feel “at risk” with leadership, or with his/her pastor.

In the internet age, when financial records can be often be obtained quite promptly, the Church of God can only be considered somewhat "secretive," and even, God forbid, “corrupt,” by not making our records open to all, as do virtually all reputable institutions in the United States. Worse, this is often the perception of members and ministers of the Church of God!

While it may not be required by law that we open our books, it is certainly required by normal standards of accountability and by our desire to be an example of integrity. By doing so, we put an end to the tendency to believe the worst in such situations. Further, these financial records are OUR records—they belong to ALL of the Church of God, and not just to the leadership. As such, these records should be freely, easily, and immediately available to any member. In addition, to my knowledge, the Minutes do not give leave to allow leadership to hold these matters privately, and in fact we have long held to the importance of not doing things in secret, as in belonging to lodges, etc.

As an organization that holds the highest standards, the Church of God must demonstrate a degree of accountability to all. Surely if virtually all Fortune 500 companies are accountable by providing open financial records to "shareholders," (i.e., members) and/or publishing an annual report that itemizes financial records, then the Church of God should not come behind them in any regard.

I propose that in addition to the salaries of all nationally-elected/appointed officials (which would include all official compensation and perquisites—but not necessarily unofficial income such as honorariums for preaching, royalties, etc.), that every national-level department provide a line-item financial report/budget so that tithe-payers can see precisely how their tithe dollars are spent.

This should be done not because it is easy or safe, but because it is right. If we truly are in pursuit of trust, it cannot be accomplished without this important step.