Methodist Church Suspends Clergy Member Over Epstein Connection

The United Methodist Church suspended a clergy member over connections to Jeffrey Epstein, according to a report by the Christian Post.¹

The report did not disclose the identity of the clergy member, the nature of their connection to Epstein, the specific charges that led to the suspension, or whether the disciplinary action is temporary or permanent.¹ The Christian Post also did not report when the suspension took effect or what prompted the church’s investigation into the clergy member’s Epstein ties.¹

The suspension marks formal disciplinary action by a major religious denomination in connection with the Epstein case.¹

Limited Public Information

The Christian Post report provided no details about how the clergy member knew Epstein, whether the relationship was financial, social, or professional in nature, or what evidence the church reviewed before taking action.¹ The report did not indicate whether law enforcement is investigating the clergy member or whether the individual faces any criminal charges.¹

The denomination’s internal disciplinary procedures and the findings that led to this specific suspension remain undisclosed.¹ The Christian Post did not report whether other United Methodist clergy members are under investigation for Epstein connections.¹

Epstein Background

Jeffrey Epstein died in federal custody in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. He was convicted in 2008 of state charges of soliciting a minor under a controversial plea agreement in Florida that allowed him to serve 13 months in a county jail with work-release privileges.

The plea deal drew widespread criticism and led to the resignation of then-Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, who as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida had approved the agreement. Federal prosecutors in New York brought new charges against Epstein in 2019, alleging he sexually exploited and abused dozens of minor girls at his residences in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida.

Institutional Connections

Documents released under the Epstein Transparency Act have revealed connections between Epstein and individuals across multiple sectors, including business, academia, politics, and philanthropy. The law, signed in January 2025, requires federal agencies to declassify and release records related to Epstein’s case.

Multiple institutions have faced scrutiny over their historical ties to Epstein, including universities that accepted donations from him and organizations where he held memberships or advisory roles. The United Methodist Church suspension indicates religious institutions are also examining their connections to Epstein’s network.¹

The Christian Post report did not indicate whether the suspended clergy member had previously disclosed their Epstein connection to church leadership or whether the church discovered the relationship through its own investigation or through publicly released documents.¹

References

1. Christian Post — “United Methodist Church suspends clergy member over connection to Jeffrey Epstein”