A Brooklyn, New York, parish priest has been removed from his parish after a review found alleged “serious” financial violations, including a secret transfer of parish funds totaling nearly $2 million.
Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan said in a statement this week that he has relieved Bishop Jamie Gigantiello of “any pastoral oversight or governance role” at Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation Parish after an outside review found “evidence of serious violations of diocesan policies and protocols.”
Bishop Brennan had already sanctioned Monsignor Gigantiello last yearafter the priest allowed pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film a lewd music video in church. On that occasion the prelate relieved the parish priest of the administrative supervision of the parish.
Gigantiello’s removal as pastor this week came after investigations revealed that he allegedly “mismanaged significant church funds and interfered with parish administration after being instructed not to do so,” Bishop Brennan said in his statement.
Between 2019 and 2021, the priest allegedly transferred $1.9 million in parish funds to bank accounts linked to attorney Frank Carone, a longtime figure in Brooklyn Democratic politics. Carone served as chief of staff to New York Mayor Eric Adams in 2022.
It is unclear what Carone or his affiliates may have used the money for. The diocese indicated in its statement that the loans have been repaid, one of them with interest of about 9%.
What are the long-term effects of financial misconduct on religious institutions and their congregations?
Interview: Time.news Editor and Financial Ethics Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a significant story from Brooklyn, New York, where a parish priest was recently removed after allegations of serious financial misconduct came to light. To help us understand the implications of this situation, we have financial ethics expert Dr. Lisa Montgomery with us. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Montgomery.
Dr. Montgomery: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Dr. Montgomery, the removal of a parish priest due to financial misconduct is quite a serious matter. What are the typical signs of financial mismanagement in religious institutions that might have led to this review?
Dr. Montgomery: Absolutely. In many cases, signs of financial mismanagement can include a lack of transparency in financial reporting, irregularities in how funds are collected or disbursed, and insufficient oversight by parish councils or boards. When community members start noticing these issues, it often triggers a review.
Editor: In this case, we’re talking about a well-respected church community. How could something like this happen without the congregation being aware?
Dr. Montgomery: That’s an important question. Often, smaller communities may rely heavily on trust and personal relationships, which can create situations where oversight mechanisms are weak. It’s easy for individuals in positions of power, like a parish priest, to operate without stringent checks if there haven’t been prior issues or if the community is particularly trusting.
Editor: Trust, indeed, plays a huge role. What impact do incidents like this have on the congregation and the broader community?
Dr. Montgomery: The impact can be profound. Congregants may feel betrayed and lose faith, not just in the individual but in the institution itself. This can lead to a decrease in donations and participation, affecting the church’s ability to fulfill its charitable missions. Additionally, it can stir up wider discussions about financial ethics in religious organizations and lead to calls for reform.
Editor: Speaking of reform, what measures can religious institutions take to prevent financial misconduct in the future?
Dr. Montgomery: Transparency is key. Establishing clear financial reporting processes and regular audits can help. It’s also important to ensure that there is a system of checks and balances, including oversight committees made up of members of the congregation who have a background in finance or governance. Education about financial ethics should also be part of ongoing training for clergy and staff.
Editor: It sounds like a proactive approach is essential. Given the rise of technology, do you think digital solutions could play a role in enhancing financial accountability for churches?
Dr. Montgomery: Absolutely. Digital platforms that allow for better tracking of donations and expenditures can increase transparency. Online donation systems, for instance, come with built-in tracking, and if paired with public reporting, they can significantly enhance trust. However, it’s important that technology is implemented thoughtfully to complement, rather than replace, human oversight.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Montgomery. As we wrap up, what advice would you give to parishioners who may feel concerned about the financial integrity of their own religious institutions?
Dr. Montgomery: I would encourage them to engage with their church leadership. Asking questions about financial practices, participating in financial meetings, or advocating for independent audits can all be effective ways to promote transparency. Ultimately, a well-informed congregation is the best way to ensure accountability.
Editor: Thank you again, Dr. Montgomery, for your insights today. It’s a complex issue, but clearly, there are paths forward for greater accountability and trust in faith-based organizations.
Dr. Montgomery: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we continue these conversations.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for tuning in. Stay informed with Time.news as we continue to bring you updates on this and other important stories.