Even Church hounded by corruption

The Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines has been advised to undertake reforms in managing its finances amid persistent reports of corruption within its ranks.

A recent study conducted by the Canon Law Society of the Philippines recommended a regular audit by the internal auditor of each Parish Finance Council, among other measures, to safeguard against corruption committed by those handling Church money.

The report published in the June issue of the monthly newsletter Monitor of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), however, stopped short of confirming corruption within the country’s most influential institution, describing it as mere "scenarios."

"Every now and then, we hear news concerning a Church worker involved in some sort of embezzlement of funds in the parish," the report said.

It cited as examples, a priest not including "a part of the earnings of the parish in his financial report to his local ordinary (diocese)." Or that, "certain parishes employ ‘window dressing’ in their financial reports."

"Perhaps, something is, in fact, being done to avert such scenarios but is it enough?" the Canon Law study asked.

Some Church insiders have earlier admitted to The STAR that cases of corruption have hounded the Catholic Church.

One Church source explained there is commonly no check and balance in parishes as it is common practice to have just one person control the issuance of receipts when donations are made.

It is also unheard of for Filipinos to ask for receipts when doling out money to the Church, especially when it is given directly to priests, the source said.

But according to the Canon Law Society, the business practice of financial transparency could also be applied to the Church "in accordance with the provision of the Code of Canon Law."

The Canon Law is the body of rules governing the Catholic Church.

Apart from the regular parish internal audit, the study also recommended an annual audit of the financial records of parishes by the Diocesan Finance Council.

"During the audit process, the audit group can make suggestions or proposals for updating and improving the present financial structure and the current system of accounting internal control of the ecclesiastical entity concerned," said the Canon Law Society.

It said diocesan bishops may also adopt a standard procedure like giving practical knowledge to seminarians and clerics on "basic bookkeeping and accountancy procedures."

This, the organization said will also "ensure the correctness of financial reports" submitted to the diocesan bishop.

"The pervading atmosphere between pastors and their worers should be one of dialogue in the working environment. Consideration of the ‘human element’ is the paramount importance if we are to gain mutual trust and respect in promoting operational efficiency and accountability in the service of the people of God entrusted to their pastoral care," the study said.

Last week, the CBCP announced it will hold the National Congress of the Clergy next month to address the "vocation crisis" facing the Catholic Church.

Sex scandals involving men of cloth which rocked this predominantly Catholic nation last year is expected to be tackled extensively during the Congress apart from the financial mismanagement of some Church leaders and members and the priests’ failure to to address the needs of the poor.

The Congress aims to bring about a "renewal of the clergy," which Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales said will resolve the crises being experienced by the Church.

Rosales, who has a vast experience in seminary formation activities of the CBCP, said the Congress will "probe" into the "recovery of the spiritual resources" of priests, among other issues that need to be tackled.

In a pastoral letter it issued last year, the CBCP admitted the Church’s integrity had been affected by cases of sexual misconduct and the "loose and even dishonest stewardship" by Church leaders and members in the financial management of local parishes.