BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse Depart from ECFA Over New Policy
The decision by two prominent Evangelical organizations to end their affiliation with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) highlights a rift caused by varying interpretations of organizational purpose and accountability. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan’s Purse, both headed by Rev. Franklin Graham, have voluntarily resigned from the ECFA, citing philosophical disagreements over a new leadership policy.
On October 1, the ECFA made public its updated membership list, noting the departure of BGEA, an organization historically significant to the ECFA’s formation in 1979 by Billy Graham. Samaritan’s Purse, the charitable arm of BGEA, also chose to exit the council, similarly listing “voluntary resignation” as its reason.
In a letter dated July 2, Graham addressed ECFA President Michael Martin, voicing concerns that the ECFA’s new Excellence in Supporting Leadership Integrity policy extends beyond its foundational goals. Graham argued that the new standards position the ECFA as overseers of moral conduct within evangelical organizations.
“The Leader Care standard also deals with personal spiritual maturity and behavior, matters clearly outside the scope of ECFA’s expertise,” Graham stated. He warned that without explicit guidelines, the new standards could become ineffective and were akin to “meaningless window dressing.”
Martin expressed his regret over the disaffiliation but conveyed his respect for the legacy of BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse in a statement, as reported by The Roys Report. He acknowledged, “Nearly 50 years ago, Rev. Billy Graham’s leadership was one of the primary catalysts for ECFA, and these two organizations have served as invaluable partners in the ministry accountability and integrity movement for many years.”
Launched in March of the previous year, the Leader Care accreditation standard is anchored in biblical principles. It aims to bolster leadership health, trust, and the future of ministries. During an interview with The Christian Post, Martin explained that the new standard was developed to integrate with existing accountability measures covering governance, financial responsibility, and stewardship.
“Specifically, the Leadership Standard will require ECFA-accredited organizations to take proactive steps to care for and support the health and integrity of their senior leaders,” he elaborated. The standard enjoys backing from a wide array of ECFA members, including local and international ministries, and emphasizes annual leader engagement on holistic care and adherence to biblical principles.
Martin emphasized that while leadership failures cannot be completely eradicated, the new standard aims to enhance leader integrity and organizational safeguards, thereby assuring donors of the steps taken to maintain trust in critical areas.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
