VIRGINIA BEACH
Contributions to the Christian Broadcasting Network dropped 4.5 percent in fiscal 2007, the first decline since 1998 in direct donations to Pat Robertson’s television ministry.
Michael Carter, CBN’s chief financial officer, blamed the decrease on a $10.3 million drop in contributions toward disaster relief.
“Other than disaster relief, our contributions have been steadily increasing,” he said Tuesday.
Donors gave $158.5 million for the year ending in March 2007, according to the tax return CBN filed with the Internal Revenue Service earlier this year. The return was made available by CBN this month.
CBN produces and broadcasts Christian programs, including “The 700 Club,” which is hosted by Robertson.
The show regularly solicits contributions to CBN through telethons and a Web site. CBN has thousands of “partners” or regular donors who give at least $20 a month.
CBN had ridden an eight-year wave of giving growth, with double-digit percent increases in some years.
Carter said the lack of major natural disasters in 2006 and 2007 drove down disaster relief donations. Previous years had seen heavy donations after Hurricane Katrina, hurricanes in Florida, and the Indian Ocean tsunamis.
He said nondisaster contributions saw a net increase of $3.4 million, showing that donors weren’t put off by Robertson’s recent controversial public comments.
For example, Robertson apologized in 2006 for publicly implying that Israel’s prime minister had suffered a stroke as divine retribution for giving land to Palestinians.
Direct public contributions represented the largest chunk – 64 percent – of CBN’s total revenue of $249 million in 2007.
The dent in giving helped push CBN down to 99th in the nation among philanthropies ranked by donations from private sources, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy. In 2006, CBN ranked 89th.
CBN’s total expenses rose 3 percent, to $243 million, with 81 percent of spending going for program services. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a charity watchdog group, says nonprofits should spend at least 65 percent of their budget on program activities.
CBN spent $26.9 million to buy airtime in various domestic television markets to broadcast “The 700 Club” and other programs. It spent $29 million on fundraising, representing 12 percent of total expenses.
The organization boosted spending for international evangelistic outreach by 31 percent, to nearly $71 million. Carter said the increase recognized that 90 percent of CBN’s viewing audience was in foreign countries.
Because of the lack of natural disasters, CBN cut its support for Operation Blessing International by 54 percent, giving $9.5 million. Operation Blessing, based in Virginia Beach, is a global development and relief agency founded by Robertson.
CBN had 1,136 employees in 2007, with 929 at its Virginia Beach headquarters. CBN’s president, Michael Little, was the top-paid executive at $277,851, followed by Gordon Robertson at $264,370.
Gordon, one of Robertson’s sons, frequently hosts “The 700 Club” and became CBN’s chief executive officer in December. He also became vice chairman of the board, reporting to his father, who is chairman.
According to the tax statement, Pat Robertson didn’t draw a salary from CBN but received a $16,610 expense allowance. His wife, Adelia “Dede” Robertson, was unpaid as a CBN director. Their daughter, Ann LeBlanc, received $84,667 as an associate vice president.
Two Robertson granddaughters also worked at CBN: Laura Robertson Kraus , who was paid $23,383 as a producer, and Elizabeth Robertson, paid $2,646 as a production assistant.
According to a separate financial statement released last year, CBN still expects to be the beneficiary of a trust created by Robertson that was originally worth $67 million. The trust’s assets will be given to CBN either on Jan. 22, 2010, or when Robertson and his wife have died, whichever comes later.
In a separate tax statement, Operation Blessing reported it took in $219 million in direct public contributions, with total revenue of $232 million. It spent nearly $238 million, with 99 percent of that going to program services. The group’s president, William F. Horan, was paid $302,705.
Operation Blessing was 61st in the nation among philanthropies ranked by private donations, The Chronicle of Philanthropy said last year.
Steven G. Vegh, (757) 446-2417, steven.vegh@pilotonline.com
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frauds and so much worse
-They sit there daily on tv and preach one thing while living another
-They tell others to confess and repent and go to the person they sinned against and ask for forgiveness yet they do the opposite
-They hide their own sins and attack anyone who asks them a reasonable question "Why are you attacking me? What have I done to deserve so much abuse from people who I have never even met?"
-WHY is this NOT in the news?
Take it to the scriptures!
Judging Others
Luke 6:37 Be not judges of others, and you will not be judged: do not give punishment to others, and you will not get punishment yourselves: make others free, and you will be made free
Romans 14:13 Then let us not be judges of one another any longer: but keep this in mind, that no man is to make it hard for his brother, or give him cause for doubting.
James 4:11 Do not say evil against one another, my brothers. He who says evil against his brother or makes himself his brother's judge, says evil against the law and is judging the law: and in judging the law you become, not a doer of the law but a judge.
James 5:9 Say no hard things against one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged; see, the judge is waiting at the doors.
Cheryl Spencer speaking truth about fraud faith healers
They are no different than CEOs of corporations who exploit their positions of trust for personal profit and power, who also give money to the poor. Televangelists have a license to lie, to cheat and to steal and to then claim that God has blessed them. Prayer and healing on tv in an effective tool for marketing and profit.
Their affectations, especially Gordon's, make me sick. He is an adulterer and a fake holyman and it makes me sick to know that so many faithfuls are watching and touching their tv screens and sending in their money. They hide their own sins. They tell others to confess but they do not confess. Pat Robertson TELLS us that he is a patriot and a prophet and a descendent of royalty and is capable of legpressing 2,000 pounds!Please. This man is not a Christ-ian. He has brought such shame to the body of Christ with his ridiculous ramblings and prophesies and self-aggrandizing. This man is NOT God's holy servant. Oh, please.
We should all avoid these father/son holyman outfits. Carrying the name "Christ-ian" does not mean we should not use our brains, have original and independent thoughts, and recognize what is obvious and ask reasonable questions and have disc
So let me get this straight.....
If you are and evangelist who uses television as a medium to "spread the good news" and many people listen and choose to donate, then the televangelist should not be allowed to earn money from the program or make investments? Operating CBN and Regent University etc., is more than a full time job. The Robertsons deserve to earn a good living. They do not live lavishly. They are humble servants of the Lord who have helped so many people, including me! Dr. Robertson has worked as hard as any other man on earth and deserves to be treated respectfully for his accomplishments. There are no victims here, only volunteers. CBN accepts willful donations, and as a NPO must account for the monies collected. I know first-hand what kind of man Dr. Robertson is, I know first-hand how respectable the CBN organization is, and I know first-hand about Regent University being a fine institution. Cheryl, do not judge a man's heart, it is not your place!
MY POINT WAS...
I'm saddened you feel such little respect and love for your fellow man. I, for one, don't blame gays or liberals for causing the Sept. 11 attucks. I don't believe that Hindus or Buddhists are going to hell or that Jews will be forced to convert to another religion at the end of days by a judgemental god or thrown into a burning pit of fire. I also don't advocate assassinating leaders of other countries who won't give their natural resources to the U.S. on our terms. I do not believe in stealing children from their families and cultures to "save them" by raising them in foreign environments... or that righteous Pat prayed a hurricane away to strike New Orleans because it was full of evil people who deserved it.
I had truly hoped that Pat Robertson was alone in those delusions; sadly, you let me know I was wrong. I feel sorry for you.
You missed my point ... my point was that, on any level, any feelings or opinions of ill will towards another human being stand on equal ground, at least in the eyes of God. I'm only assuming you're a christian, if not, that's fine but the point still applies. What I was NOT saying was that I share similar feelings to those of Rob
Doctor B2B
"You can't really expect me to believe that in your heart you don't share similar feelings about other people in the world"
I'm saddened you feel such little respect and love for your fellow man. I, for one, don't blame gays or liberals for causing the Sept. 11 attucks. I don't believe that Hindus or Buddhists are going to hell or that Jews will be forced to convert to another religion at the end of days by a judgemental god or thrown into a burning pit of fire. I also don't advocate assassinating leaders of other countries who won't give their natural resources to the U.S. on our terms. I do not believe in stealing children from their families and cultures to "save them" by raising them in foreign environments... or that righteous Pat prayed a hurricane away to strike New Orleans because it was full of evil people who deserved it.
I had truly hoped that Pat Robertson was alone in those delusions; sadly, you let me know I was wrong. I feel sorry for you.
FROM CHERYL SPENCER
I am thankful that people actually read my comments. I always comment using my real name. As a Christian, I feel responsible to speak the truth about these fraud faith healers who line their own pockets and who do not live what they preach. I do not wish to disturb anyone or to disrespect anyone whose faith is genuine.
I do not claim that they do not give a portion of the donated money to the poor. It is wrong, however, to use deception for profit, to feign holiness and healing and words of knowledge for profit and that is what they do. Healing and words of knowledge are profit-making tools for them.
I have made comments in the past that were in more detail about my own personal experiences with Pat and Gordon Robertson. They have always been edited out by The Pilot. I wish you all could know what I know about them.
Prophelicious took the words right out of my mouth!
I woke up this morning thinking of how disturbing Cheryl's comments were. My thought, simply put, is that "as a Christian" , we are not to pass such judgment on others. At least the Christians I know believe that and the Bible teaches the same. Well put Prophelicious!
Pat Robertson
This comment is to the person "prophelicious" who addressed me.
I have had personal experiences with Pat Robertson and the others on his show and that is why I always use my real name when I make comments about them. I am not afraid of being sued for slander by them because they know who I am and I am not just another doubting Thomas or "hater."
They are frauds and much worse and as a Christian, it hurts. I would write more about my experiences with Pat AND Gordon AND the others on his show, but my post would be edited out by The Pilot so I will refrain.
"Maybe people are beginning
"Maybe people are beginning to wise up and stop the support of a man that has so much hate in his heart for those that he may percive as different."
You can't really expect me to believe that in your heart you don't share similar feelings about other people in the world? You love everyone equally without any ill will in your heart? The verse that talks about pulling the plank out of your own eye before pointing out the speck in another's doesn't apply to christians alone ... it's pretty good advice for anyone. You point the finger at a guy who has developed opinions just like you and I have. The difference is is that his are publicized ... you would be just as hated if your opinions were broadcast. Consider that... People are entitled to their opinions.
"Perhaps this is the fall of the house or Robertson--what a pitty."
The Pilot has only reported one-half of the story. What is missing from the equation is the donations from the telethons from 2007, which if those totals are added then they exceeded the total collections from 2006 which makes the entire article invalid.
So, I'm sorry to say that your pity isn't necessary as the "house of
Isn't it just too bad
Perhaps this is the fall of the house or Robertson--what a pitty.
Pat Robertson Submitted by
Pat Robertson
Submitted by Cheryl Spencer on Wed, 04/16/2008 at 9:36 am.
"Pat and Gordon Robertson and the other ACTORS on their show are frauds as holymen and holywomen. They are ACTORS on a stage using their talents for the purpose of profit.
They are completely immoral and completely impure and so very far away from God."
Cheryl, you use "As a Christian...", and then introduce some negative comments. As a Christian, do you believe Jesus meant it when He asked us to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and advance the gospel? I think Jesus meant it. Maybe the Robertsons do to, or why would they be involved in digging wells in poor villages (even when non-Christians live there), feeding the third world masses, providing clothing, medicines, doctors, surgeries, education, Bibles, and training pastors (non-televangelists even), and leading so many to salvation. The money is well spent, the Robertsons wealth is not tied to CBN donations, and the Holy Spirit is in their work. What is your motivation to judge God's servants?
*sigh*
I believe CBN bought the Family Channel, and when it was sold, didn't Pat & Son make many millions (200+) personally with the sale of The Family Channel? Another example I know of is Compass Technology. They are a for-profit company owned by some execs of CBN. CBN contracts IT work to this company (do a whois on compass.net and look at the name servers). These types of setups are nice ways to move "non-profit" money to for-profit companies.
Maybe people are beginning
Maybe people are beginning to wise up and stop the support of a man that has so much hate in his heart for those that he may percive as different.
If you do not know Dr. Robertson, withold your comments!
Dr. Robertson has helped a lot of people. Nobody knows his heart except for himself and the Lord. Dr. Robertson does not live a lavish lifestyle. He is a very humble man and servant. People scrutinize his every word, yet forget that we all make mistakes and say things we may later regret. That is called "being human." We are all sinners and we all fall short of the glory of God. When you post nonsense such as what has already been posted, then you are just making a fool of yourself. You just don't have a TV camera in your face, so the whole world does not witness your words. Have mercy, have grace, and love your brother. The Lord commands it!
These donations go to the
These donations go to the non-profit entity CBN, not to Pat personally. As a non-profit organization CBN & Operation Blessing are under a lot of scrutiny. Heck, Pat didnt even draw a salary at all and 81% of all donations going to programs is pretty good for any NPO. Say what you will about the guy who founded these organizations, but CBN and Operation Blessing have done a lot of good for a whole lot of people in need worldwide.
LOL
If God is so powerful and almighty, why does he need so much money!?!!
It's amazing that you
It's amazing that you consider that the money is going directly into Pat Robertson's pockets. The guy doesn't accept a salary from CBN, lives on campus in the chancellor's house, and doesn't do much else other than the 700 Club and go home. The $158 million goes towards the salaries of the employees of CBN, operations, as well as overseas and domestic ministries.
There is such a stigma surrounding Robertson, and so people simply repeat things they may have heard in the past, regardless of the validity. People assume that tv evangelist = crooked, but I can tell you from personal experience that in this case, his hand is not in the candy jar.
Pat Robertson
As a Christian, it has always been hurtful to me that there are actually people who are so evil that they would exploit faithfuls for money by claiming to know Christ and by feigning holiness on tv. I have heard Pat Robertson say to his viewers "touch your tv screen for a miracle." It is gross and it is sad and I am sad that anyone would send him their money.
Televangelists have a license to lie and to cheat and to steal and to then say that God has blessed them. It is disgusting. Pat and Gordon Robertson and the other ACTORS on their show are frauds as holymen and holywomen. They are ACTORS on a stage using their talents for the purpose of profit.
They are completely immoral and completely impure and so very far away from God.
CBN Donations
Oh, I'm so upset that Pat Robertson only got $158,000,000.00 instead of $168,000,000.00. The poor man may have to apply for welfare and sell his fleet of limosenes...Yeah, LOL
Waking up?
Perhaps people are waking up to donating money to a "MAN" and "HIS" empire.
Maybe
Maybe it's because Robertson seems to have swallowed the global warming lie.