FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2007
Prayer Palace spokespersons respond to the fallout of the Toronto Star allegations
April 5, 2007, TORONTO – On March 4th, 2007 The Toronto Star published an ‘expose’ on The Prayer Palace. The church’s board of directors called the claims unsubstantiated and incorrect.
“We have policies and procedures to prohibit questionable business dealings,” says Dave Ramnath, senior advisor to The Prayer Palace board. “In addition to regular audits, an independent accountant goes over the books and a corporate lawyer regularly attends board meetings.”
Yet, the Star suggested $1M CDN was transferred to the US to purchase the Melnichuk’s Florida home. The funds were actually used to purchase a church in Bradenton for $750,000 US.
Suggestions the Melnichuks benefited from purchasing church land are also incorrect. Katpa’s purchase was to help the church when it was in a financial bind.
Then the article stated over $1M was paid in salaries for 2005. According to an independent Chartered Accountant, only $825,000 was paid in salaries to over 20 staff.
Furthermore, over $1.5M was spent on missions, outreach, theatricals, children’s programs, Cathedral Christian Academy and church planting.
The church holds quarterly food drives raising approximately 1,200 items per event to help over 1,150 families.
“Another way we touch souls in the community is our state-of-the-art drama presentations,” says Frank Fernandes, a director of The Prayer Palace’s board.
“I was in depression, on medication and on welfare,” says Amelia Durant. “The drama’s message of God’s love turned my life around. The depression is gone, I’m off welfare, and it’s been blessings ever since.”
The Prayer Palace’s impact is summed up best by Jean Chretien, former Prime Minister of Canada, “Through your ministry, you have touched the lives of numerous individuals, strengthening the spiritual and social fabric of this nation.”
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Frank Fernandes and Dave Ramnath are available for interviews. To schedule interviews contact:
Peter Turkington
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
