Niehaus quits Rhema

2005-03-13 22:37

Neels Jackson

Pretoria - The Rhema Church said on Sunday there was nothing sinister about the sudden resignation of Carl Niehaus as the church's communications chief.

Niehaus was appointed CEO and spokesperson for the church in mid-2004, according to Rhema's website.

Pastor Ron Steele, now back in the position as Rhema's spokesperson, said when Niehaus joined Rhema's executive, nobody said he would remain with the church forever. Niehaus had found something else to do and "was moving on", Steele said.

He also denied rumours that Niehaus had paid himself or had received unfitting bonuses. "I don't know where they got that information," he said, referring to reports in Sunday papers.

Steele said there were no hard feelings between Niehaus and Rhema or its leader, Pastor Ray McCauley. Niehaus was still a member of the church and he had seen him there on Friday, Steele added.

Niehaus could not be reached for comment.

- AP