Dear Editor, 

I wish to commend you and the Samoa Observer for publishing the recent letter by Mr Finau Pea regarding the alleged embezzlement of over $960,000 from the EFKS church. More importantly, I commend the author for boldly speaking on an issue that many members whisper about privately but are often afraid to say publicly.

As someone born and raised within the EFKS church, it is deeply disappointing to witness the kind of mentality now being displayed by some of our leaders. What makes this situation even more painful is the glaring inconsistency in how justice and discipline appear to be applied within the church.

When ordinary members, especially those with little status or influence, make mistakes or commit wrongdoing, church leaders are often quick to impose harsh penalties. Some are publicly shamed, removed from duties, or treated without mercy. Yet these same leaders stand behind the pulpit day and night preaching about salvation through Jesus Christ, a gift of grace, mercy, and forgiveness freely given by God to all who believe in Him.

But when individuals of influence or status are involved, suddenly, there is leniency, understanding, and calls for compassion.

This was not a missing $100. It was allegedly over $900,000, money given sacrificially by faithful members of the church. Many families contribute despite struggling financially themselves. They give willingly, not only for the development of the church, but in the name of God and for the work of ministry. To dismiss such a massive loss as though the church is unaffected is painful for many faithful members who worked hard for every tala they gave.

If the church is truly this forgiving, then perhaps the matter should simply be referred to the Police and allowed to proceed through the proper legal process. Forgiveness and accountability should not cancel each other out. Mercy does not remove the need for justice.

What then is the purpose of the church constitution if it is not upheld consistently? What kind of theology are we preaching when decisions appear selective depending on who is involved? That is what frustrates many members, especially young people. They see what appears to be discrimination, abuse of authority, and selective justice, and they quietly walk away from the church.

Then we wonder why so many of our youth and families leave and join other denominations.

The church should be the first place where fairness, integrity, humility, and accountability are practised equally for all people, not only for the powerless. Leaders are called to shepherd God’s people, not to play God themselves. Human judgment will always be flawed, influenced, and imperfect. Only God’s judgment is truly just.

This issue is bigger than money. It is about trust, integrity, consistency, and the example being set for future generations within the church.

Respectfully,
A disappointed but faithful EFKS member, Astra Vale.