This does not surprise me. Most cult leaders are wealthy, and the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) seems to be a cult, with all the usual features.
BIZARRE RITUALS
The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) has been banned twice in Zambia (unchristian practices 1998 and satanic ritual 2005). However, each time the courts overturned the ban.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4485222.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4567430.stm
TAX EVASION
The Brazil authorities claimed it avoided paying taxes upon acquisition of the Record (radio and TV) communication network. It refused to pay a fine of almost $100m. The case
against UCKG is that, in this matter, it is not a church (with tax exemption) but a business group selling faith like a product. According to this article (in Spanish) "Bishop" Edir Macedo, in 1994 owed almost $23m to the sect. This was money obtained by long-term interest-free loans. I don't know what the outcome of all this has been.
http://www.angelfire.com/id/CIR/macedo2.html
REJECTION BY ESTABLISHED CHURCHES
In this Portuguese language article it shows how UCKG has been rejected by the Brazilian Evangelical Association, because its practices do not conform with protestantism, and are satanic, allegedly. The article also points to Macedo's imprisonment in 1992 (for extortion) and to the enrichment of the church through financial exploitation of vulnerable poor women via tithing.
http://br.geocities.com/observatoriodaiurd/
INAPPROPRIATE ADVERTISING
"The Universal Church has already got into trouble over its claim that evil spirits are the cause of people's woes. In 1997, the Advertising Standards Authority banned a church poster that said: ''Constant headaches, depression, insomnia, fears, bad luck, strange diseases . . . These are just a few symptoms caused by demons.' '' This webpage also has other information on the UCKG.
http://www.declarepeace.org.uk/captain/murder_inc/site/abuse.html
The church itself goes to great lengths to defend itself, and will take what legal action it thinks is appropriate. Here is what it has to say.
http://www.uckg.org/Press/Misconceptions.php#4
2006-11-20 20:24:30
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answer #1
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answered by ♫ Rum Rhythms ♫ 7
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