A Moral Contribution To The Discourse: Pastor And Money In Africa

The subject of church finance and the pastor’s involvement has long been a topic of discussion and controversy. Opinions and practices vary as to whether the pastor should be allowed unrestricted oversight of church money, or completely uninvolved with church money, or work with a committee to oversee the monetary business of the church . The craze for money has infiltrated every segment of our society. From the religious leadership to traditional and political leadership there is no much difference. Men and Women of God who claimed to be followers of Christ steal, embezzle, misappropriate and divert money meant for the church, or community, and others for self aggradisement .

John Gray, André Raffalovich and Father Allan MacDonald of Eriskay

Two men better known for their links with the cosmopolitan world of Oscar Wilde became involved in a Hebridean church-building project. It may be contrasted with the church in Edinburgh's Morningside district which Raffalovich financed for Gray. Shared priesthood in Scotland links Fr John Gray with Fr Allan MacDonald, whose work in collecting items of Gaelic culture helped to attract support for St Michael's, Eriskay. This paper corrects the misconception that the island's fishing community was impoverished. It also subjects local tradition that a miraculous draught of fish was mainly responsible for funds raised to critical examination. Conversely it shows that the financial contribution made by André Raffalovich, though significant and deserving to be better understood in the Outer Hebrides, was not so important as claimed in Edinburgh. Urban credulity over Second Sight is also featured. Details of church finance, including the late arrival of seat rents in this remote Catholic mission, no doubt have wider application.