Watchdog Scrutinizes TV Ministries
October 30, 2006 | Read Time: 1 minute
Exposure from the religious-watchdog group Wall Watchers has prompted dozens of churches and televangelist organizations to disclose more information to the public about their financial status, reports The Wall Street Journal.
Howard J. “Rusty” Leonard, a stockbroker, said he was called to serve God as a young man and determined that watching over donors to religious groups was his purpose. He founded Wall Watchers in 1998 and finances the nonprofit organization with his own money.
On his Web site, Mr. Leonard posts financial statements and salary information from more than 500 ministries. He comments on each religious groups’ history and philosophy and alerts potential donors if he feels the ministry is not trustworthy. In addition, Wall Watchers sometimes sends agents to observe preachers firsthand.
Read The Chronicle of Philanthropy‘s article about Wall Watchers here.
