Former Kansas City, Missouri, Pastor Leaves Church After Epstein Ties Investigation

A former Kansas City-area pastor who was suspended earlier this year after it was discovered she had worked for Jeffrey Epstein and managed his private island will no longer serve in the church and will not face disciplinary action.
In a July 9 announcement from the Missouri Conference of The United Methodist Church, after a nearly four-month investigation and supervisory process into Rev. Stephanie Remington, it was determined that the former North Kansas City and Lee’s Summit pastor would not face disciplinary action nor a suspension.
Bishop Robert Farr, who originally called for Remington’s 90-day suspension, stated that the decision was made “under the current provisions of The Book of Discipline,” as well as the “available information” in the case.
He also told United Methodist (UM) News that his original decision to suspend Remington was because of “serious concerns about judgment.”
Bishop Farr added that it was important that the ministry maintain trust and accountability, adding that “employment with a company connected to Jeffrey Epstein is deeply troubling given what is now known about the scope of his crimes and the harm done to his victims.”
Following the conclusion of her suspension, Remington requested an “Honorable Location,” meaning she will no longer be a clergy member of the Missouri Conference and will not be appointed to serve at a United Methodist congregation.
According to Bishop Farr, her request was granted, and any future ministry role would require the “appropriate review and approval under Church law.”
Despite the change in Remington’s status, she will still maintain her “Rev.” title, UM News reported.
On Thursday, March 12, Bishop Farr made a formal announcement on the Missouri Conference page, stating that a member of his clergy, later identified as Remington, had been placed on leave pending a review by the episcopal office.
According to the announcement, Remington’s suspension came after Bishop Farr learned she had worked as an administrative assistant and temporary property manager for Epstein’s private island, Little Saint James, from August 2018 to May 2019.
Epstein was arrested for sex trafficking crimes just two months after her employment ended, in July 2019. One month later, in August 2019, Epstein was found dead in his jail cell by an alleged suicide.
Despite having worked closely with the disgraced financier and living in the U.S. Virgin Islands at the time, Remington told UM News in March that she never witnessed Epstein or anyone on the island commit acts of abuse.
However, she did admit that she knew Epstein was a registered sex offender who had served 18 months for soliciting prostitution from a minor before working for him.

Source: Read the original report