CHARLOTTE (AP) — A religious broadcaster is building a $4 million home in a gated, lakefront community in western South Carolina at the same time that the ministry has cut jobs and reset thermostats to save money in its new headquarters. Inspiration Networks’ CEO David Cerullo is building the 9,000-square-foot home on a lot that overlooks Lake Keowee, The Charlotte Observer reported Monday.
Inspiration Networks has drawn scrutiny for up to $26 million in incentives it won from South Carolina to move from Charlotte to Indian Land, S.C., in Lancaster County. The network’s revenues are expected to approach $100 million, largely donations from people who are told God favors those who donate. Cerullo has said 80 cents of each donated dollar is spent to spread the Gospel.
Life is SWEET!In addition to laying off workers, the newspaper reported, the ministry froze wages and stopped making contributions to 401(k) retirement accounts. The thermostat on the network’s new building was cut to 65 degree during the winter.
A network spokesman did not respond to calls and e-mails requesting comment on the house. Cerullo defended his $1.5 million in compensation in a March interview and said he rejected recommendations that he be paid more.
“If they’ve got these kinds of assets, does the state really need to offer … tax breaks?” asked Don Weaver, president of the S.C. Association of Taxpayers. Employees told the newspaper the ministry began laying off some workers late last year. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, is investigating the finances of six other televangelists and told the newspaper that leaders of religious nonprofits should be careful not to use viewers’ donations to adopt extravagant lifestyles. IRS rules bar nonprofits from paying “unreasonable compensation” to officials.
What was that about a fool and his money……….?
Hallelujah, praise the Lard!
It’s sad that our country has come to this: a dishonest televangelist. Who would have thought that such a person was even possible.?
That’s about as improbable as a hypocritical GOPer.
And I get criticized for poking fun at Christians… HA!
what’s the difference between them and all the other companies in the world who are using the “Recession” as a scapegoat to screw the public
This man should be crucified on public television. After that is over, start the mandatory sterilisation for anyone who donated money to him.
Another typical hypocritical Republican…lying and stealing money from the poor.
Heh, Typical. He probably sets cats on fire too.
I’m in the wrong business, sigh :/
Lay the ^$*Y#*&^ OFF, people! This is God’s work, and you are a sinner or will go to someplace warmer than Saudi Arabia if you disagree… It states in Hippocrates 4:11 that “Thou shalt rip off the money of the sucka folk, spout hellfire and damnation without any sense whatsoever, in so that ye may build a pimp pad from thine ripoff money, such is glory.”
Amen.
he is blessed!
The only news is that this isn’t news. Buyer beware of someone selling you salvation.
Um, seems I remember this story from 20+ years ago. PTL? No, can’t be. History doesn’t repeat itself.
Come now, when he got his ministry, he took a vow of opulence! Can’t lie to Gawd!
J/P=?
This reminds me of Al Gore and the Church of Global Warming.
The believer is warned, “Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
This guy counts. It’s neither reasonable nor prudent to trust everyone if you are a believer or if you aren’t.
Holy shit! That’s inspirational! Can I get an amen?
Boy I remember this fellow when he was just starting out .
He seems to have well in life
The beauty of this “business ” is the worse the economic outlook , the worse things get – the more people will pay for hope
On top of that don’t forget the lucrative tax deductions and holidays that these organizations / companies get in the field
It all buys lots of luxuries , big houses , trips , jewelry and diamond rings
dvorak, why don’t you STOP plagiarizing other people’s work and write something original for a change on this site.
or maybe you just don’t have anything original to offer?
Thank you, Cheesus!
#18 – What a douchenozzle.
Religion is a mental illness… it needs to be treated as such.
Religion is and had been the most successful pyramid schemes in human history to acquire power and/or money from the poor and stupid.
I really don’t care if people want to give money away. I believe in capitalism.
What pisses me off is that it is tax free and the scheme wants to work its way into government.
People should be outraged and they’re not.
and this is a suprise to anyone?? why are money had in god we trust… 😛
20 years ago with the ptl? HA! my brother used to work for rex humbard, oh the stories from there…
this is nothing new… it is the worlds oldest profession… screwing the beliver…
on a another note…. i wonder if god will smak him down with a hurrcain this year… one could hope..
Don’t blame Jesus or religion on this one. Your faith is only as good as the object of that faith.
In this case is is a smarmy TV preacher that does not represent Christ.
Pharisees are what Jesus would call this guy and his ilk.
The real Jesus would have NOTHING to do with a ministry like his. I am amazed by the gall these people have. I supposed, at some point, they will face Karma or some sort of poetic justice.
Just goes to show: The Lord will provide. Well, the lord and a few million people like Alfalfa.
Of course, wankers like this are just rank novices when it comes to the better things in life: take the Pope.
No, really, please, take the Pope – far, far away.
“Religion” – The LONGEST RUNNING ***FRAUD*** IN HUMAN HISTORY !!!
Ha!
Who’s the bigger jackass? Government of South Carolina that gave the guy incentives to move to the state; the jackasses that gave the guy money; the electorate that voted in the jackasses that gave him the incentives; or God who empowered him to dupe jackasses?
Hmmm, tough call.