Partnering with Financial Transparency
Money has the power to build up or to corrupt, maybe even to destroy. In our Companion Synod relationship we take this very seriously. In order to provide an equitable support to all the congregations in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peru (ILEP) we have a mutually agreed upon system that works well.
- Our practices reflect our values of accompaniment and include:
- All congregational and individual gifts sent to TLGC, which are then wired to the Evangelical
- Lutheran Church in Peru (ILEP) for disbursement.
- TLGC will wire money monthly unless notified that there is an urgent need. (Each wire transfer cost money.)
- No money is kept for administrative use in TLGC.
- Up to 5% of the money is kept in ILEP to assist with the expenses they incur from the wire transfer and to help with administrative costs. ILEP has one part-time secretary and a president (bishop) who is paid part-time. This is the smallest synod office in South America.
- ILEP will acknowledge the receipt of funds and the distribution, as appropriate.
Funds will primarily support Sembrando a new children's program. - Congregations in Peru may receive up to $5,000 from their Companion Congregation annually.
- New programs or congregational projects (such as building projects) will be done in partnership with ILEP and TLGC.
Please resist the urge to send money directly to your partner congregation. The system outlined is the only way we can hold one another accountable for good fiscal management and provide transparency. We are in relationship with the whole synod, not just one congregation or one individual. This is a country where the average income is $400 per month so it is easy for us to distort their reality and create serious unintended consequences that end up hurting people.
Thank you!