I'm not sure how to begin this comment / question.
I came across this charity which purported to be focused on helping Catholic and Orthodox Churches undergoing persecution, and while doing a bit of a deeper dive on it my skeptical spidey senses started going off on red-alert (Charismatics label this a "gift of discernment" - I'm not in their camp fully, so I'll go with SKEPTIC).
While looking into the charity, and it's purpose - it struck me as strange that it's website and founder has multiple media outlets promoting various Catholic causes, but the focus seems never to be on the cause, but on the individual. One image in particular, that was posted when this speaker went on EWTN, gave me a real unease. Every image posted literally has this individual posing with the people, kids, etc in these poorer areas but with that "influencer" feel - make up, well polished, good lighting, etc. - STAGED. There's no pictures posted of actual work being done, but mainly with this person front and center. I thought this was really odd. Well, the charity and individual have been mentioned on all kinds of Catholic outlets, EWTN, Relevant Radio, LoveWorldUSATV, etc, etc. Also there's some sort of link to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, as this person is associated with their outreach.
So I start a deeper search. Turns out this persons sister does the same type of thing, self-promotion, social media marketing, influencer type stuff of christian and political outlets.
Stranger still... another name keeps popping up here and there and it's the grandmother of these two "catholic" influencers, and turns out she's a pentecostal/charismatic leader of the Benny Hinn variety. She's got a fake diploma from one of these mills and calls herself "Dr.", can be seen on YouTube and on these prosperity gospel faith-healer type outlets. There's even an old thread on Catholic Forum where someone directly asks if this Pentecostal pastoress is Catholic and someone replies that yes she is, and that she's approved by her Bishop to preach in a Catholic setting. I have no doubt this is the individual themselves answering to mislead Catholics into thinking her "ministry" is church approved.
Odd indeed.
I get the feeling the granddaughter is about to spin off into her own "ministry" and use the Catholic outlets as free publicity for money and members, and they have been using Catholic outlets to shill for grandmas ministry worldwide.
For the life of me, I still can't figure out why Catholic outlets promoted this "charity" - there already exists legit Church-approved charities like CNEWA, ACIN and others which have the history of supporting Eastern Christians and the means to do so. Other than the founder being a pretty face, what can this outlet do that's helpful that an existing Agency or direct Church aid cannot?
What am I to do with this information - there's not much to go on, but every red flag in my mind says this is a scam and that Catholic outlets are oblivious or naive.
Last edited by Michael_Thoma; 09/09/20 06:05 AM.
