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RSSUpdated Statement on CSI
October 23, 2009
In our continuing efforts to ensure funds are properly used to benefit the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Episcopal Relief & Development filed a civil case against the Church of South India (CSI) and its former leadership on Friday, October 23rd in Chennai, India.
Two years ago, Episcopal Relief & Development approached the local Church authorities with concerns when CSI failed to complete the financial reporting and required audits outlined in our agreement for 2005 and 2006. As a result, we suspended work with CSI and implemented an in-depth effort to recover the funds that are unaccounted for. After a lengthy process, we deeply regret that we have been forced to take legal action.
While this situation is highly unusual, we strive to honor our commitment to the people we serve around the world and the generosity of our faithful donors. By and large, our global partners are extremely meticulous in providing required reports and conducting audits as required by the terms of our partnership agreements. Our partnership with CSI was only a portion of our tsunami response work. As per standard plans and procedures, clean audits were completed with our church partners in both North India and Sri Lanka.
The sole objective of our ongoing efforts to recover the tsunami relief funds is to fulfill our original intent to faithfully administer the funds that are received on behalf of vulnerable people.
As this is a legal matter, we cannot comment further about the current situation. We have faith in the Indian judicial system and believe this case will be handled fairly.
Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. As an independent 501(c)(3) organization, Episcopal Relief & Development takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Together with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief & Development strengthens communities today to meet tomorrow’s challenges. We rebuild after disasters and empower people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
