$1.6M Stolen from UMC Regional Body Through Cyberattack

The United Methodist Church’s New England Conference reported a significant cybersecurity breach, with over $1.6 million in funds stolen from its operating account. The incident occurred on August 5 and involved individuals who posed as bank representatives, gaining unauthorized access to the conference’s online banking system. Multiple wire transfers were executed, diverting church funds to various global accounts.

Bishop Thomas Bickerton, the conference’s leader, informed members in an August 13 letter that the conference is collaborating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Secret Service, and legal experts specializing in cybercrime. The investigation remains active, with efforts ongoing to recover the lost funds and prevent future incidents.

As of the letter’s release, approximately $200,000 had been recovered. Bickerton emphasized the conference’s commitment to fulfilling its financial obligations and continuing its ministry without interruption. He described the incident as a “devasting blow” that deeply affected the finance team and staff, yet he affirmed the group’s determination to move forward.

In a follow-up statement, Bickerton noted that three other companies experienced similar thefts during the same period. He expressed concern over the growing sophistication of cybercrime, stating that the situation has left him feeling helpless. He urged divine guidance, saying, “God will help us find our way through this tragedy.”

Bickerton drew a parallel between the conference’s challenges and the biblical account of Nehemiah 2, where the prophet is called to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He emphasized that rebuilding requires more than prayer or analysis—it demands action and resilience. The reference to Nehemiah underscores the need for practical steps to restore trust and security within the conference.

Source: Read the original report