The Mawkhar Presbyterian Church is grappling with one of the most serious crises in its history following alleged financial irregularities exceeding Rs 4 crore, leading to a sharp fallout with the KJP Synod Sepngi.
The controversy began after discrepancies were found in church accounts for the financial years 2016–2019. A reconciliation process in June 2019 revealed inconsistencies between cash records and bank deposits. Initial verification of documents—including cash books, passbooks, deposit slips, and SBI Bara Bazar Branch statements—showed a shortfall of around Rs 2.86 crore.
Further disclosures indicated that a portion of the discrepancy had reportedly been known since 2017 during an income tax exemption process but was not shared with the Church Committee, intensifying mistrust within the congregation. An FIR was later filed at Lumdiengjri Police Station after an alleged admission of fund misuse, and subsequent audits expanded the estimated loss to over Rs 4.65 crore.
A special audit uncovered additional irregularities in mission projects, procurement, infrastructure development, welfare funds, and documentation processes. Concerns were also raised over incomplete infrastructure records, pending land disputes in the Meghalaya High Court, and discrepancies in land sale deeds bearing different serial numbers for the same property.
Tensions escalated when the Synod introduced a mandatory bond agreement for pastors. Pastor-in-Charge Rev. McDonald Pyngrope sought legal clarification before signing, expressing concern over its possible implications in the financial case. After refusing to sign, he received a show-cause notice, was suspended in June 2025, and had his ordination revoked in November 2025. The Church Committee described the disciplinary action as disproportionate, asserting that the bond was originally presented as voluntary.
In late 2025, the conflict intensified when the Presbytery moved to assume administrative control of the church days before a scheduled general body meeting. Supporters alleged the move aimed to secure financial documents linked to the audit. However, thousands of members gathered on November 29 and resolved to retain their pastor, rejecting the takeover attempt.
Further disciplinary proceedings in February 2026 against nine elders drew widespread support from members. An open letter issued by concerned congregants accused the Synod of misinformation and administrative overreach while demanding an independent forensic audit. The letter also leveled fresh allegations against a newly formed administrative group, including documentation lapses and unauthorized actions.
Despite the ongoing legal, financial, and administrative disputes, the congregation continues to hold large worship gatherings, describing them as efforts to maintain spiritual unity amid uncertainty.
Synod authorities have maintained that disciplinary measures are administrative in nature and unrelated to the financial investigation.
