Aspiring SA Liberal MP Jane Fleming warned by electoral body after political ad at St Jude’s Anglican Church

The same church linked to a priest's abuse scandal now faces electoral law scrutiny for praising a Liberal candidate in a political advertisement.

The state’s electoral watchdog has told an aspiring MP and the church that promoted her campaign to “ensure they ­comply” with laws regarding political advertising.

But the Liberal Party has rejected the complaint as “vexatious and bullying” criticism of “a volunteer feeding the vulnerable”. In September, St Jude’s Anglican Church at Brighton promoted Jane Fleming and her campaign for the seat of Gibson after she sponsored its community meals program.

St Jude’s is the same church where, the Supreme Court ruled, Ms Fleming’s ex-priest father John, met a 13-year-old girl with whom he went on to have repeated sexual encounters.

Jane Fleming Picture: Facebook

Images from Ms Fleming’s official social media accounts depicting her campaigning at St Jude’s Anglican Church at Brighton. Picture: Facebook

At the time, Ms Fleming – who is Holdfast Bay deputy mayor – said she did not consider the sign inappropriate.

The church said it “does not need to meet any requirements under the Electoral Act” and the sign was a “simple thanks” to note the meal’s sponsors.

Another image from Ms Fleming’s official social media accounts depicting her campaigning at St Jude's Anglican Church. Picture: Facebook

In a letter, the Electoral Commission of SA says it has written to both Ms Fleming and the church. “The Commission has written to St Jude’s and Ms Fleming explaining the requirements of section 112 of the Act,” it says. “Namely any electoral material must contain the name and address of the author or the individual authorising its publication. We have requested that St Jude’s and Ms Fleming ensure any future electoral material they display complies with the requirements around appropriate authorisation.”

The church’s sign read: “God bless community meal sponsor Jane Fleming, Liberal for Gibson.” It did not include the name or address of a Liberal Party official authorising its publication.

On Friday, Liberal Party state director Alexander Hyde said St Jude’s sign “is not under the care or control” of the party nor “any candidate”.

The Anglican Diocese of ­Adelaide did not respond to a request for comment.