Tongan church urges moderation in donations

Published: 6:26PM Thursday March 01, 2012 Source: ONE News

Senior Tongan church ministers are calling for a freeze on big donations and new church buildings as concern grows over spending.

It follows news that a new church in Australia has folded, owing $27 million.

The Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga in Sydney was opened by King George Tupou V three years ago, but is reported to be in voluntary administration and receivership.

According to reports it owes money to Westpac Bank and an industrial paint company which gave the church a loan.

See the full story on TV One's Targata Pasifika tonight at 11.10pm.

The Tongan community raised funds for the building and treasurer Sione Pinomi hopes they will help again.

"Of course it comes with a cost but that's all beyond the point. The most important thing for us is to accomplish our mission here, which is to bring Tonga to Australia," Reverend Pinomi said.

"I'm pretty sure this debt will be finished in the near future with the help of God and help of the people."

However, Mohenoa Puloka, a senior figure who trains ministers, has suggested a freeze on big projects in the wake of the church's collapse.

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Tongan church urges moderation in donations