Checking the Blogpulse on Paul Crouch
I don't think I posted anything about the accusations against Paul Crouch that were published in the Los Angeles Times a couple of weeks ago. I thought I'd catch up and see what Blogpulse was reporting on the matter. For example, here are excerpts from a post by Marcus Brown:

Watchdog Group Wants TBN Leaders to Step Down

I'm not surprised that this request is being made now. I am surprised that it hasn't been made for years. Paul and Jan Crouch have been off the reservation for over a decade now, with few people calling them on their behavior. Hank Hanegraff at the Christian Research Institute has been one. The Trinity Foundation, Inc., who publish The Door magazine is another.

But now Wall Watchers is making a public call for Paul and Jan Crouch to step down and to re-tool TBN....

Of course, the article also says that TBN rejected these ideas, but is willing to provide financial information to Wall Watchers. If nothing else, the TBN board needs to be re-structured....

Bill Cork links to a press response from TBN:

Sept 22 (Los Angeles) ---“A recent article published by the Los Angeles Times was full of inaccuracies, condescension and mischaracterizations about the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), its ministry and operations,” said TBN Spokesperson, Colby May....

“The publication began work on its TBN article over three years ago. Last year, in its determined attack against TBN and founder Dr. Paul Crouch, it sent an unauthorized blanket e-mail to all employees at TBN’s web address, soliciting negative anonymous responses,” said May....

TBN explained on numerous occasions to the reporter covering the story that one of its fundamental spiritual and business principles is to be debt free to the fullest extent possible. Because the nature and demands of TBN’s growth create large capital and long-term contract cost demands, extensive cash reserves must be maintained....

“Such construction costs as well as the development of towers and transmission facilities requires millions of dollars in new capital investment for each of TBN’s twenty-two domestic stations. Similarly, the construction and acquisition of new stations throughout the world demand large capital outlays. TBN also explained to the reporter covering the story that it maintained thirty-three satellite delivery platforms worldwide. These multi-year contracts are very expensive, obligating TBN to tens of millions of dollars in payments. Proper planning for these types of costs obligates TBN to establish and maintain sufficient cash reserves. None of this balance or explanation found its way into the article. One cannot help but wonder why,” said TBN legal advisor, John Casoria.

“In addition, TBN also explained to the newspaper that one of the hard learned lessons for churches and charities nationwide following 9-11 is to create an endowment to insure sufficient funds to cover whatever catastrophes may arise. In this context, Trinity’s reserves represent less than a year’s operating expenses,” says Casoria.

TBN officials also state that the newspaper also could not resist once again mentioning a previous story which reported a false allegation that the 70-year-old Dr. Crouch had a homosexual liaison a few years ago. What was omitted, of course, was that the false accusations were manufactured by a convicted child molester and drug user as part of a wrongful termination claim. The claim remains false, no matter how often the story is repeated.

[OE comment: the seamy background of the accuser WAS mentioned by the Times.]

“Regarding the various real properties mentioned, all are owned by TBN, not Dr. and Mrs. Crouch, and they are used for multiple purposes, including program settings, and temporary housing for network guests, contractors and agents. In addition, such properties represent alternative investment vehicles that provide appreciably better returns then bank CDs, savings accounts, and bond funds, etc.,” Casoria clarified.

[OE comment: The statement that these properties are owned by TBN only makes matters sound worse. Not only do the Crouches have luxurious houses - they don't even have to pay for them.]

Similarly, TBN’s corporate aircraft is only utilized in the course of business. It is not unusual for Dr. Crouch, and employees traveling with him, to visit several different cities and stations over the course of a trip. The plane allows flexibility and effective time management, and avoids the impact of Dr. Crouch’s status as a public person,” said Casoria.

“As to the stories told by a disgruntled former employee (who hired an agent to try to sell her story to a TV or film producer) claiming that she used TBN credit cards to buy large amounts of alcohol, stocking a liquor cabinet, they are completely untrue. Ten years ago, this individual was part of Trinity’s housekeeping and maintenance staff. At that time, she went through a difficult divorce and child custody proceeding with her former husband, also an employee at TBN who remained on staff following her departure. She seemingly became enraged during that time, carrying a personal vendetta against Dr. and Mrs. Crouch and TBN ever since,” explains Casoria.

VP’s at the network further stated that Trinity Broadcasting Network operates publicly. It maintains a thorough review of its activities by means of the following procedures: 1) TBN's tax returns are made public; 2) Its IRS records are public, including the salary and compensation of its directors; 3) All of its FCC files and ownership reports are public; 4) Its state charitable registrations are public; 5) It undergoes annual financial and operational audits performed by several outside audit CPA firms; and 6) TBN is under constant review by the press. Trinity has more accountability and oversight than virtually any other organization, regardless of size. The fact is that L.A. Times’ business reporter, Scott Reckard, had it right: TBN runs a tight ship and an efficient organization.

OK, so let's see what tbn.org says here:

A message from Paul Crouch...

When Dad passed away, he left no will. He did not intend to place that kind of burden on Mother and us five children. Dad was so typical of God's people. We were looking for the coming of the Lord. We were preaching the Gospel. Surely, we would all be alive till the trumpet of the Lord would sound!

But Dad was called home. He did not leave anything that we would call an estate today: a car, personal things, a few acres of land in South Dakota; but, oh the extra headache for my dear mother. I wanted to help out, but I was only seven.

Just a little planning means so very much to your loved ones.

You can see that a Trinity Broadcasting Network Lifetime Charitable Gift Annuity can provide you with a number of benefits - and many happy returns!



But the most fascinating part was the selection of graphics in certain areas of the website. For example, this graphic appears on the Announcements page:





When you go to the About Us page, one of the images certainly implies the prosperity ministry:





Innerstin...