“If the Society Orders My Transfer, I Will Leave Immediately”: Pastor K.M. Ephraim

Proddatur, Andhra Pradesh: Amid the ongoing leadership dispute at Bethany Prayer House, Pastor K.M. Ephraim on Monday along with 60 believers presented his version of events surrounding the recent controversy. Reiterating his loyalty to the ‘Society’ management, he stated that he would immediately relinquish his position if an official transfer order is issued by the ‘Society’ authorities in Hyderabad. However, he maintained that he would not permit any attempt to take control of the church through what he described as unauthorized means.

• “Only the Society has the authority to transfer me”

Clarifying the transfer issue, Pastor Ephraim said he has not received any transfer order from the ‘Society’ headquarters in Hyderabad. He asserted that the transfer letter brought by Pastor B. Solomon was not applicable to him and argued that only the ‘Society’ management under which he serves has the authority to appoint or transfer him. “If the ‘Society’ issues an order transferring me, I will leave this place immediately without hesitation,” he told the gathering.

• “I am committed to obeying every decision of the Society”

Pastor Ephraim emphasized that he remains fully committed to the ‘Society’s administration and the ministry entrusted to him at Bethany Prayer House. He stated that he is prepared to implement any direction issued by the ‘Society’ management and has no intention of acting contrary to its decisions. According to him, his continued service at Bethany is based solely on the authority and responsibility vested in him by the ‘Society’.

• “The present dispute began after action against former committee members”

Explaining the background of the conflict, Pastor Ephraim said the dispute originated after certain members of an 11-member committee were removed on November 11, 2025. He alleged that the individuals were relieved of their responsibilities due to the misappropriation of funds and claimed that disturbances began thereafter. According to him, those developments eventually contributed to the present controversy surrounding the church administration.

• “Bethany ministry has been run with accountability and transparency”

Pastor Ephraim stated that the church administration has maintained strict standards in handling ministry affairs and financial accounts. He said Bethany Prayer House has been functioning with accountability and transparency and that all ministry-related activities have been conducted in accordance with established procedures. He maintained that the church leadership has consistently safeguarded both the ministry and its financial integrity.

• “Worship services were suspended only due to security reasons”

Referring to the suspension of worship services during the past week, Pastor Ephraim said the decision was taken reluctantly and solely in compliance with police advice. He explained that concerns relating to law and order and the safety of believers prompted the temporary halt in church services. According to him, the decision was difficult but was made in the larger interest of preventing any untoward incidents during the ongoing dispute.

• “Ministry will continue as before under my leadership”

Pastor Ephraim informed the congregation that regular ministry activities would continue under his leadership as before. He expressed confidence that the ministry entrusted to him would proceed in an orderly manner while awaiting any official communication from the ‘Society’ management regarding the ongoing issue.

• “Police cooperation helped prevent untoward incidents”

The pastor also expressed appreciation for the role played by police officials during the dispute. He thanked the police for their cooperation and said their intervention helped ensure that no major incidents occurred despite tensions surrounding the church. According to him, the authorities acted responsibly in maintaining peace and order.

• “I have never acted for personal gain”

Pastor Ephraim rejected allegations of personal motives behind his actions. He stated that throughout his pastoral service he has sought to act in accordance with his responsibilities and conscience, and not for personal benefit. As a pastor, he said, he has not acted unjustly for self-interest and remains committed to serving the ministry faithfully until directed otherwise by the competent authority.

• Believers hear pastor’s clarification on tramsfer controversy

The meeting was attended by approximately 60 believers who gathered to hear Pastor Ephraim’s explanation regarding the developments of the past week. The ongoing dispute over administrative authority at Bethany Prayer House continues to draw attention from both church members and stakeholders, with many believers expressing hope that the matter will be resolved peacefully and in accordance with legal and organizational procedures.

(Source: IAIJ/BIN/DPJB)