You Won't Believe How Much COVID Stimulus Joel Osteen's Megachurch Received

"Joel Osteen’s megachurch in Texas got millions of dollars in federal loans as part of the coronavirus stimulus package, which sparked backlash across the internet.

The prosperity gospel pastor’s Lakewood Church in Houston received a $4.4 million loan through the Paycheck Protection Program, part of the congressional CARES Act and the first time lawmakers gave direct financial assistance to houses of worship, reported the Houston Chronicle."*

Hosts: Ana Kasparian, Cenk Uygur

Cast: Ana Kasparian, Cenk Uygur

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201217__TA05__Televangelist

[kristinheffern]

This makes me so mad. Any organization that pays no taxes, should not get 4.4 Million dollars in government covid assistance.

[kathyrizzi]

He’s already so rich, look at his main home...what a con man and shame on him for not helping anyone but himself. He and others should be paying taxes!

[randyosborne]

I remember when Hurrican Harvey rolled through and Joel wouldn't let any of the stranded stay the night at his church. When will we admit it? Churches need to pay taxes, just like all of us do.

[Ron_DeForest]

Of course he’s taking the money. He scams seniors out of their pensions why wouldn’t he take tax dollars, not like he contributed to the pool.

[FullMetalPanicNL]

They are tax exempt....they shouldn't be entitled to relief.

[jenyj]

His church IS NOT a small business!!! Churches like his need to pay taxes!!!

[davidorf]

You are asking Republicans and Trump supporters to read the Bible when Trump has broken so many of the 10 commandments ? Good luck with that

[ceemack]

The same church that wouldn't open its doors to homeless people during a hurricane.

[wmckinley]

No federal or state money should be given to churches, period. The separation of church and state needs to be enforced. This makes me sick as a tax payer. That money could have helped citizens.

[tamarabrackett]

Joel and his church and his pockets they don’t need the money!

[kittyakara]

Not surprised by this. Osteen did keep his church doors locked during hurricane Harvey while small church opened up quickly for those in need. Osteen opened his church to help after the backlash.

[AuntieSenSen]

As a Christian it’s disgusting to find out that he got that money. False teacher

So is it finally ok to say that churches are a buisness

[BABP]

And this is the same church that wouldn’t let people in during the hurricane. What do they need money for?

[sandieblack]

No wonder a lot of people have a thing against "religion"

[charlessanders]

He should be forced to give it back, he definitely did not need it at all

[isiahrowser]

This the same church that didn’t open up for the public when Houston had that big flood. 🤦🏾‍♂️

[stevejoseph]

Its not debatable and not acceptable. They pay no taxes

[sep]

"Joel Osteen's book sales, radio show, public speaking fees, and church collection reportedly generate more than $70 million per year in total revenue." Really sounds like someone that needs emergency help. I mean how much of that measly $70 million does he get to keep after taxes. Oh wait..

[seventhfirestephanie]

Cenk is spot on. Any religious organization who discriminates should NOT receive government funding. Period.