The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) has rejected a reapplication for membership submitted by Samaritan’s Purse and World Medical Mission. The ECFA board of directors voted in March to suspend the North Carolina-based ministries for what it described as problems concerning board oversight of the operation (CT. Aug. 17, 1992, p. 47). Both organizations subsequently resigned from the council, but recently submitted their application following discussions with ECFA.
The decision to deny membership was made August 1 by the ECFA executive committee, acting on the recommendations of its board, which reviewed the reapplication. Council officials declined further comment on the matter.
In response to the decision, Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and World Medical Mission, said in a written statement: “We have always complied with the ECFA standards of financial integrity with full board oversight. We have reviewed, and continue to review, our policies and procedures.” Graham also declined to discuss the dispute further. “We wish for greater evangelical harmony and do not care to engage in debate with ECFA.”
