Cyberattack Steals $1.6 Million From United Methodist Church’s New England Conference

The United Methodist Church has faced a severe financial crisis after a cyberattack allegedly resulted in the theft of over $1.6 million from one of its regional bodies, the New England Conference. The breach was discovered on August 5, prompting an urgent response from church leadership and law enforcement.

According to Bishop Thomas Bickerton of the New England Conference, the criminals impersonated bank officials to gain access to the conference’s online banking system. Once inside, they executed multiple wire transfers, sending funds to accounts worldwide. The stolen money was intended to support churches, ministries, and the denomination’s broader mission.

The FBI and Secret Service have joined forces with the conference’s insurance provider and legal experts in cybercrime to investigate the incident. By August 13, approximately $200,000 had been recovered, but over $1 million remained missing. Bickerton described the event as a “devastating blow” that deeply affected the finance team and conference staff.

Bickerton also revealed the theft was not an isolated incident. Three other companies reportedly fell victim to similar schemes during the same week, suggesting a coordinated cybercriminal campaign. The bishop expressed a sense of helplessness in the face of increasingly sophisticated online threats.

In a statement, Bickerton compared the recovery effort to Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, emphasizing the need for prayer, stronger leadership, and improved financial safeguards. The incident has left the bishop pleading for divine guidance as the conference seeks to navigate the crisis.

The stolen funds came from church resources meant for ministry, affecting congregations, clergy, and communities reliant on United Methodist programs. The loss of each dollar has a ripple effect, raising concerns about the vulnerability of church finances in an increasingly digital world.

The New England Conference is now reviewing its financial procedures and staff policies to prevent future attacks. The case highlights a pressing question for churches: if cybercriminals can infiltrate a major denominational body and move such a large sum across international accounts, how many ministries remain at risk?

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