Pastor Accused of Selling Church Properties to Son’s Business Partner for 16 Million Yuan

The Chinese Deaf Christian Church in Chongqing faced a significant legal and ethical challenge when its pastor, Reverend Xu, sold the church’s properties for his son’s business needs. The properties, valued at 16 million yuan, were sold to help his son’s financial ventures, leading to a breach of trust that sparked public outrage and legal action.

The church had previously purchased six houses in Chongqing North Road for its use, registered under the name Xu. Reverend Ip and Ye were also involved in the church’s management. The ownership of these properties was shared among multiple individuals, including Xu, Ip, and Ye. In 2015, Xu informed Yeh about checking the value-added tax on the property, which led to the transfer of the title. Xu then arranged a loan of 16 million yuan with a maximum mortgage of 19.2 million yuan, with Xu as the guarantor, and a repayment deadline set for the end of April 2016.

As the repayment deadline approached, Xu found himself unable to meet the financial obligation and had to pay off the property directly to the Xu male. This action led to the church discovering that the property had been sold and was no longer under its control. The church’s leadership was shocked and accused Xu of breaching trust, leading to a public complaint filed by the Slim District Attorney’s Office against both Xu and his son.

The prosecutor argued that Xu had knowingly transferred the property to his son, despite being only the owner of the house. The three men involved in the loan agreement, including the Xu male, were also implicated in the breach of trust. The church accused these individuals of usurping its property, though they claimed they were unaware of the church’s ownership. The church may later pursue a civil complaint for the transfer of its property, which in this case was also considered a “victim.”

The case highlights the complexities of property management and the potential for misuse of institutional assets. It raises questions about accountability and the need for transparency in religious organizations. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of stewardship and the ethical responsibilities of those in leadership positions. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humble service, which are essential in maintaining trust and integrity within any community.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)