A Missouri pastor has been suspended from her ministry following revelations about her past working relationship with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church announced the suspension on March 12, stating that they had only recently become aware of the ties between Reverend Stephanie Remington and Epstein, which span from 2018 to 2019.
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The conference’s statement clarified that Remington was placed on suspension in accordance with their guidelines while an investigation is conducted into the matter. Although her name was not mentioned in the original release, a spokesperson later confirmed her identity to PEOPLE. Previously, Remington served as a pastor at the First United Methodist Church of North Kansas City until 2016, when the church ceased operations in 2018.
Rev. Remington reportedly worked as Epstein’s administrative assistant in 2018 before later taking on the role of temporary property manager for Epstein’s private Caribbean island from January to May in 2019. The Missouri Conference indicated that they had no prior knowledge of Remington’s association with Epstein, who had been incarcerated following convictions related to sexual crimes against minors.
Reports indicate that a search for Remington’s name within the Epstein files has yielded over 1,800 references, including flight itineraries related to her visits to Kansas City to see an ailing family member. Elizabeth Glass Turner, a researcher and local pastor, discovered Remington’s name while examining the Epstein files and alerted church officials about the findings. Turner clarified that she did not intend to imply any criminal behaviour but felt compelled to uphold duty of care through basic due diligence.
In her defence, Remington stated that she never witnessed any acts of abuse while working for Epstein, claiming that her interactions with him were only professional in nature. “I knew him for the last nine months of his life, well after he served time for the things that he was accused of doing,” she stated. She emphasised her serious stance on sexual misconduct and her commitment to the wellbeing of survivors affected by such acts.
Epstein, who passed away in August 2019 while awaiting trial on charges related to sex trafficking of minors, had previously pleaded not guilty to these allegations. The Missouri Conference articulated the importance of integrity among clergy members, who are expected to uphold exemplary moral and spiritual standards. They acknowledged the severe impact of Epstein’s actions on victims and reiterated their commitment to supporting survivors.
Currently, Remington’s suspension is set for 90 days as investigations continue, and she has been directed to counselling resources should she seek them. The Conference has refrained from further comments on the issue while the review process remains active, citing the sensitive nature of the situation.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing repercussions of Epstein’s criminal activities and the profound damage inflicted on countless individuals. The Missouri Conference has reiterated its dedication to healing for survivors and the pursuit of justice in the wake of such widespread abuse.
The issues raised by this incident contribute to the broader discourse on accountability and ethics within religious institutions. The church firmly believes that all clergy members should be held to the highest standards, especially in the light of these serious allegations. The Missouri Conference’s actions illustrate their commitment to providing a safe and ethical environment within their congregations.