Watchdog Group Wants TBN Leaders to Step Aside

Televangelists reject the request. Wall Watchers seeks reforms and an inquiry into finances.

By William Lobdell, Times Staff Writer

A church watchdog group recommended Tuesday that Jan and Paul Crouch step aside as leaders of Orange County-based Trinity Broadcasting Network while a panel of Christian leaders investigates its finances.

An executive for TBN, the world's largest Christian network, rejected the idea but said he would meet with critics and review audited financial statements and other related documents with them. "We will turn over to them whatever we need to turn over," said Paul Crouch Jr., a network executive.

Ministry Watch Calls For Independent Commission