Navigation Church Member Alleges Discrimination by Religious Organization Over Welfare Assistance
In a dramatic legal confrontation, a long-time member of a prominent religious organization is taking his grievances to court, alleging unfair treatment and discrimination. Michael Fekete filed a complaint on November 24, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Bishop Andrew Charles Rosebrough.
The case unfolds with Michael Fekete accusing the LDS Church and Bishop Rosebrough of failing to provide equitable welfare assistance during his time of need. Fekete has been a dedicated member of the church since January 2000 and claims that despite his unwavering support and service to the community, he was denied necessary welfare assistance due to personal bias. “The Bishop does not trust you,” were the words relayed to him by Stake President Donald C. Kelly on November 23, 2024, yet Kelly himself expressed trust in Fekete’s character. This statement highlights the internal conflict within the church leadership regarding Fekete’s credibility.
Fekete’s health conditions have severely impacted his ability to work, resulting in over 600 hospital visits and ten heart catheterizations over four years. Despite these challenges, he remained self-reliant until he sought temporary welfare assistance from the church on October 20, 2024. The delay in disbursement left him without power for four days, worsening his medical condition. He alleges that Bishop Rosebrough’s denial was arbitrary and discriminatory, inconsistent with the church’s principles of fairness and compassion.
