Sexual accusations made against Trinity

The world's largest Christian broadcasting group is in trouble. Trinity Broadcasting Network's minister, Paul Crouch, has been exposed by the Los Angeles Times and a former employee for what appears to be sexual harassment, followed by a pay-off.

TBN, the network of televangelist fame, is trying to jail or fine a former employee for violating a court order. The order was engineered against the employee banning him from talking about an alleged sexual experience with ministry leader Paul Crouch in order to keep his job.

Enoch Lonnie Ford, the victim in this encounter, was barred by Orange County's Superior Court from discussing anything concerning TBN, Crouch, or his experience with Crouch. Ford started with the company by working for a phone bank after his struggle against a cocaine habit. Ford also received a hefty sum of $425,000, according to the Los Angeles Times, to keep quiet about his alleged sexual victimization. TBN wants to hold Ford in contempt of court, but an action such as this should not be silenced. Other TBN employees should be aware that Crouch was responsible for such an indecent action.

TBN, the non-profit owner of the gaudiest energy wasting building around, should come forward with the story. The building is more than amply lit with decorative lights and brilliant marquees. In the winter, the TBN building sports a "Happy Birthday Jesus" sign, for all to see. When you make your living off praising the Lord, hiding sins does not look good, nor does a pay-off to the sexual harassment victim. TBN has tried to keep the encounter secret, but fortunately for the public and unfortunately for Crouch the story is out.

Just recently TBN broke an agreement with Ford by issuing a statement in response to a report about Ford's silencing by the network. The network tried to make Ford look bad by stressing his criminal background, consisting of two felony convictions, according to the Los Angeles Times. In addition, the TBN's attorneys attempted to stop the publication of a story on the issue printed in the Times.

Ford said he only engaged in sexual conduct with Crouch because he was afraid of losing his job and did not want to be thrown out of the Arrowhead cabin they were staying in at the time.

Because the Bible does not specifically mention homosexuality in a passage Crouch read, he tried to justify his actions to Ford. Crouch offered a rent-free apartment and the pay-off of Ford's debts after the encounter. TBN justified this act by saying the network regularly donates money to those in debt. Ford, who worked for the network, is openly gay. Crouch is not.

A few weeks later, Ford was sent to jail for cocaine and marijuana use. After his release, TBN refused to rehire him, depicting him to media simply as a drug addict and felon. Ford wants to publish a memoir of his experience with TBN and Crouch, but that would violate his agreement to not talk about what happened.

Crouch continues to deny the allegations while his network continues to broadcast Christian movies, sermons, and inspirational prayers worldwide. He and his wife seemed like a devoted couple on air, but perhaps there was more drama behind the scenes. Crouch has done an amazing job of extracting money from viewers. His monetary triumph is reminiscent of Amy Semple McPherson, but without such gaudy costumes and re-enactment of Bible scenes. TBN struggles to maintain the appearance of having a strong relationship with God, trying to get believers to donate regularly to the station in addition to leading a godly life.

Thank goodness for the Los Angeles Times, printing this story. TBN should not be allowed to hide such devastating sins. Their nature as a Christian network may be muddied by these allegations but the truth shall be heard.