Church official sinned

A church official has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $32,000 from Orakei Presbyterian Church.

Faafouina Pilato, 58, of Manurewa was charged with using 28 cheques to obtain $32,409.84 for personal gain between March 1, 2007 and April 6 last year.

A spokesman for the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand said Pilato was an integral member of the church.

"I understand he was in a position of trust in the congregation," said assembly executive secretary the Rev Martin Baker.

He said Pilato was effectively stealing from Sunday morning collections.

He didn't know how Pilato was able to take the money because cheques needed two signatures.
Pilato was caught when other congregation members raised concerns.

"Someone cashing that amount of money - it's a pretty obvious issue," Baker said. "It's a pretty stupid thing to do."

Attempts to contact Pilato were unsuccessful. He is due to be sentenced in the Auckland District Court later this month.