Members of the congregation at the legendary Riverside Church in New York City are headed to State Supreme Court in Manhattan to file a motion to stop their newly inducted pastor from taking home a rather hefty paycheck. Reverend Dr. Brad R. Braxton is said to be receiving a compensation package of over $600,000 a year, according to the New York Times. The group says their calls for full transparency in the church’s financial dealing were ignored. The judge has since adjourned the case until the end of May, a month after Dr. Braxton takes to the pulpit.
Braxton, who is set to be installed on Sunday, April 26, will received a base salary of $250,000; a monthly housing allowance of $11,500; pension and life insurance benefits; entertainment, travel and “professional development” expenses; an equity allowance for the future purchase of a home; money for a full-time maid; and private school tuition for his 3-year-old daughter.-WLW
While there are 2,700 members of the church, do you believe it’s appropriate for pastors to receive large compensation packages during these economic times?