Editor's note: Story is updated with response from the Rev. Stephanie Remington.
By Heather HahnJuly 10, 2026 | UM News
Key points:
An ordained United Methodist elder who briefly worked for Jeffrey Epstein is no longer under suspension but will not be able to serve as pastor of a United Methodist congregation for the time being.
The Rev. Stephanie Remington is not accused of any crime. She faced a complaint under church law that she had not kept her home Missouri Conference adequately informed of where she was serving, including when she worked for the convicted sex offender.
The Missouri Conference announced the conclusion of the complaint processin an update late July 9. Bishop Robert Farr, the conference’s bishop, determined that “under the current provisions of The Book of Discipline and based on the available information, the matter would not proceed to disciplinary action,” the update said.
As things stand, Remington retains her clergy credentials but can only be appointed to a United Methodist church again after following another process and receiving approval under church law.
"This is not a punitive block but an approved exit with good standing following findings of no misconduct and no evidence linking me to Mr. Epstein’s criminal conduct," Remington said.
At her request and with the conference's approval, Remington is on what church law calls “Honorable Location.”
That means she is no longer part of the United Methodist itinerant appointment system, where the bishop appoints her to a ministry setting each year.
While she keeps “the Rev.” title, she also is no longer a member of the Missouri Conference — meaning she loses guaranteed appointment, voting privileges and eligibility to be elected as a clergy delegate to jurisdictional or General Conference.
Farr suspended Remington and launched an investigation in Marchafter learning that she had worked for Epsteinwithout first informing the conference.
“This matter raised serious concerns about judgment and public witness,” Farr said in the July 9 announcement. Farr is also board president of United Methodist Communications, which includes United Methodist News.
“Clergy are entrusted with a visible and accountable ministry, and employment with a company connected to Jeffrey Epstein is deeply troubling given what is now known about the scope of his crimes and the harm done to his victims.”
Remington first worked for Epstein as an administrative assistant from August to December 2018 and then as a temporary property manager of his private island from January until May 2019.
