In our May 2022 newsletter (article here) we suggested a simple way to curb religious fraud and excess. It would hold moderate and large religious organizations more accountable and provide donors with more transparency allowing them to make more informed decisions.
Month after month, we show our (small) mailing list and website visitors, how much religious fraud is going on and how much donor money is being wasted on extravagant, luxurious lifestyles.
Nothing will change until the U.S. public is fed up with the disparity between religious non-profit organizations and all other non-profit organizations. Non-profits such as the Red Cross and World Vision show the world how much and where their money goes. Religious non-profits… well, most don’t.
It’s too easy to claim marvelous, wonderful charitable works publicly on the one hand, while wasting donor’s money on frivolities and extravagance on the other.
TELEVANGELISTS, PLEASE STOP AND COMPARE:
We dig water wells for the thirsty. Sure you do; but what about the Perrier, Smart Water, and Champaign served to you chilled in First Class or on your private jet?
We build and finance orphanages for the fatherless. Sure you do, but compare the mansion you live in to most orphans’ stone walls, uncomfortable cots, meager meals, and dirty bathrooms.
We feed and clothe the homeless. You must feel good about this, but compare your daily rich diet and the expensive suits you wear as opposed to the bean and rice staples and worn hand-me-down rags of street people in your own community.
This sheep’s-clothing disguise will always wear thin and wear off, eventually exposing the insatiable, self-seeking core of corrupt religious leaders— evident for all to see.