A Tribute to Ole Anthony

Ole Anthony was a prominent figure in investigative journalism and religious accountability. He was recognized for his unwavering dedication to uncovering corruption within religious organizations. Born on September 10, 1937, in Arkansas, United States, Anthony’s legacy is well known for his work in exposing fraudulent practices among televangelists. This week we will explore Anthony’s background, his impactful work and his major achievements with a focus on his contribution to bringing down the fraudulent televangelist Robert Tilton.

Ole Anthony

1. Background and Early Life

Ole Anthony’s upbringing in a Christian household gave him a deep sense of morality and integrity. These values guided him throughout his life and were doubtlessly instrumental in his founding the Trinity Foundation in the 1970s, initially as a Christian outreach ministry. However, as the rise of televangelism swept through America, Anthony shifted the foundation’s focus towards investigating and exposing fraudulent practices within the televangelist community. His Christian faith energized his mission to hold religious leaders accountable for their actions.

2. The Work of Ole Anthony

Anthony’s work with the Trinity Foundation involved extensive investigative efforts aimed at uncovering financial misconduct and exploitation within televangelist ministries. Through engaging in a combination of undercover investigations, analysis of financial records, and collaboration with whistleblowers, Anthony sought to reveal the truth behind the façade of prosperity gospel preachers.

Robert Tilton

1. Campaign Against Robert Tilton

One of Ole Anthony’s most significant achievements was his campaign against Robert Tilton, a high-flying televangelist known for his prosperity gospel teachings. Anthony’s suspicions about Tilton’s practices led to an in-depth investigation by the Trinity Foundation. They uncovered evidence that Tilton’s ministry was discarding prayer requests containing monetary donations without these requests ever reaching Tilton himself. Tilton thus amassed significant wealth through such deceptive fundraising tactics and the exploitation of the trust of his followers.

2. Bringing Down Robert Tilton

Anthony’s efforts to expose Tilton’s fraudulent activities culminated in a groundbreaking segment on ABC’s “PrimeTime Live” in 1991. The segment, titled “The Apple of God’s Eye,” included hidden camera footage and interviews with former employees. It provided damning evidence of Tilton’s deceitful practices. This exposé triggered public outrage and prompted government investigations leading to legal action against Tilton and the eventual collapse of his ministry. Ole Anthony’s relentless pursuit of truth played a key role in dismantling Tilton’s empire and holding him accountable for his actions.

3. Legacy and Impact

Ole Anthony’s campaign against Robert Tilton left a lasting impact on the landscape of religious accountability. It exposed the dark side of the televangelist industry and served as a spur for greater scrutiny and transparency within religious organizations. Anthony’s legacy continues to inspire journalists and activists to challenge abuses of power and uphold integrity in all spheres of society.

Passing and Enduring Impact

Ole Anthony passed away on October 16, 2009, at the age of 72. Despite his death, his legacy lives on through the ongoing work of the Trinity Foundation and the enduring impact of his advocacy for religious accountability. His contributions to exposing corruption within religious institutions remind us of the importance of holding leaders accountable for their actions.

Conclusion

Ole Anthony’s legacy is defined by his tireless efforts to uncover corruption within the televangelist community and his pivotal role in bringing down fraudulent figures like Robert Tilton. Through his work with the Trinity Foundation, Anthony exposed the deceptive practices of prosperity gospel preachers and sparked public discourse on the need for greater transparency and accountability within religious organizations. His legacy is all about moral courage, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps in the pursuit of truth and justice.