The former ‘Vicar of Baghdad’ Canon Andrew White has been suspended as the president of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (FRRME).<\/p>\n
In a statement on his Facebook page Canon White said it was because of “some inaccurate statements I made”.<\/p>\n
The charity, that he founded, said he was suspended with pay after the Charity Commission launched an inquiry.<\/p>\n
“The Foundation is cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities,” FRRME said in a statement.<\/p>\n
It added: “It would be inappropriate to comment further on an active investigation other than to say that the Foundation believe at this stage that the alleged incident stemmed from a genuine desire by Canon White to help others.”<\/p>\n
Canon White said his comments referred to the charity’s work with girls taken by Islamic State to work as slaves.<\/p>\n
“What is clear is that at no time did we pay money to any terrorists,” the clergyman stressed.<\/p>\n
He added: “Whilst I cannot work on behalf of the FRRME I continue to lead worship and support individuals that we are helping. Please pray for us at this very difficult time.”<\/p>\n
The Charity Commission confirmed it had launched an inquiry but told Premier it cannot comment further because the investigation is live.<\/p>\n
FRRME’s accounts for 2014 show it made \u00c2\u00a33,032,097 and spent \u00c2\u00a31,879,670. It has seven members of staff.<\/p>\n