If you don’t read anything else today, read the New York Times report on a family battle that’s roiling the Trinity Broadcasting Network religious TV empire and the luxurious lifestyle that’s been revealed as a consequence.
Matched sets of mansions for Paul and Janice Crouch.
Private jets.
Hotel room and RV for dogs.
Slotting employees as “ministers;” as such Social Security contributions aren’t required.
$1,000 dinners and meal expenses for mama, poppa and son running, in all, about $300,000 a year.
Employees said the Crouches believed their faith justified any extravagance. Among the explanations and defense offered by the empire’s lawyer:
Extolling TBN’s prominence and programs, Mr. May said the spending that some call opulent “is necessary to convey the ministry’s position of accomplishment.”
Viewers want a little of that prosperity gospel. They pour in almost $100 million a year in support.