Four months ago I posted about a court case around the Hamilton Dominion Christian Centre.
This is a very sad story, it involves a desperate ripped apart family.
There have been several delays in the legal proceedings.
In the preliminary trial the judge put a ban on publication in place.
Setting of a trial date has been delayed again until November 2008.A father, his wife, their son and two family friends were charged.
They believed their adult daughter was involved with a cult.
It appears from news reports the family is Catholic, their daughter is involved with an independent charismatic church.
The court date for the Mrs. Brun Del Re (forcible confinement) has been set for October, their daughter went back to the Dominion Christian Centre.
Rigo set up in Hamilton in 2000 and gave up his Ontario licence to perform marriages. Now Hamilton Dominion Christian Centre has been stripped of it’s charitable status by Revenue Canada. Losing status does not mean Dominion Christian Centre will close, however given the abuses, people need to be warned.
If the Centre chooses to continue it will have to pay taxes. The Star:
After an audit of the church’s books, sparked by critics of its activities, the federal charity regulator has told the Dominion group that its assets have been misused, spent for the “private benefit” of Rigo, his wife and others.
The regulator found that money contributed by donors and destined for good works was instead paid to fund “numerous personal trips, payments for privately used vehicles, gym memberships, food, lodging and other unsubstantiated payments.”
Among the expenses that raised eyebrows, auditors say, were numerous purchases at “expensive fashion outlets such as Gucci and Dolce Gabbana.”
The audit, obtained by the Star, says the transgressions of Rigo, his wife, Peggy (also a pastor), and assistant pastor Dave Barhouma were many.
In response to the allegations, church leaders told the regulator that poor bookkeeping made it hard for them to address many of the concerns auditors had. The audit states that about a year ago, the church agreed to stop paying for food, trips, gym memberships and haircuts for church leaders. However, the audit goes on to say that a year later, the church had not addressed the issues raised by the audit, giving rise to the revocation of its licence.
While Peter Rigo and his assistant Dave Barhouma have stepped down from the Board of Directors, they have been replaced by members of Barhouma’s family. The audit also showed leadership had inflated the price of the land the Centre owns, but it is not known who benefited from the lying.
Every once in awhile people need to see government crack down on church leaders who abuse, cheat and deceive the people they draw in.
We need to see citizens say ‘not in God’s name and not in my name’.
Revenue Canada gave The Dominion Christian Centre a year to get it’s books and leadership behavior in order. Their past Rev Can returns have been replaced by notice of revocation, effective February 14th.
A lot of people will be letting out a breath of relief the charitable status has been revoked, I’m not one bit sorry to see the Rigos and their sychophants continue to be exposed. My concern is for and remains with the young people they’ve deceived into believing the extremist teaching they’ve absorbed and abusive leadership behavior they’ve submitted to.
Let’s hope and pray they’ll break free of their fear and find healthy community, theology and support.
Rigo is known for swearing in the pulpit, extreme sexual language, fits of anger, demands of obedience to him from members, intolerance of questioning or critique to what ‘God tells him’, shunning, the Prosperity Gospel and the Centre is a member of The Canadian Fellowship of Churches and Ministers. The organization was formed for independent apostolic/prophetic/five fold Pentecostals in 1969 and changed it’s name to it’s current one in 1990.
“We gotta get to the people with the money if we’re gonna succeed.” – Peter Rigo
To the people charged with seeing that money is used for charitable purposes – thank you.
The Hamilton Spectator: Local – Pastor used donations for trips, vehicles
CTV 2006: The Pied Piper of Hamilton
Consider the Lilies blog: Truth and Lies
Boerishbwoy blog: Reflections
Shasher’s Story blog: Will it end? (friends of the Rigos – more here)
The Rigos have taken down their personal website
Dominion Christian Centre
Canada Revenue Agency Revocation News Release
Update: Dominion Christian Centre protests the revocation.
Early last week, the opening page of the Dominion Christian Centre website refuted the specific allegations made by the CRA. Today, the site contains only a general statement about the allegations with a commitment to address questions on Sunday at 10:00 AM during service hours. The media page of the website is also not working and appears to have been removed.
Toronto Star: February 19, 2009:
In a statement, the leaders of the Dominion Christian Centre of Canada in Hamilton say they will improve record keeping and will try and be reinstated as a charity.
“Funds from donations were properly used. Church trips and vacations were not paid by the church, but were paid by the members,” the statement said, adding that the pastors have worked for free for the last two years.
The Rigos had previously raised the same defence when questioned by auditors about the expenses, but the audit concluded anyway that church money had been used.
“The church is going through a difficult time and everyone is sacrificing as they should,” the pastors said in the statement.
…In their rebuttal yesterday, the Rigos state they have been working co-operatively with the regulator since 2000. “However, through misadventure, we have seen errors occur in which we are working hard to correct to comply with the (Canada Revenue Agency’s) requirements,” the statement reads.
…As to their abilities as leaders of the church, they say they are “licenced Evangelical Ministers, and are reviewed, and are accountable.” The statement does not go into detail on which body has licenced them.
….The pastors say the church is having a positive impact in Hamilton and that church leaders always comply with the laws of Canada, “even though at times we see the law as being harsh and arbitrary.”
Update: Here is a copy of the audit and letters to relevent Dominion Christian Centre personnel of notice of revocation for Dominion Christian Centre. (.pdf) I find it interesting Peter Rigo would encourage followers to believe ‘judge not’ when he has not only lived and led occurances, but has read the linked documentation.
Its to bad must people aren’t bright enough to realize you can’t live off media reports to know whats really going on. Blogs like this one are not liable like newspapers and TV shows nor do you have to have any facts, just repeat what ever is said.
Busted.
Published 11 months, 3 weeks ago 28 comments28 Responses to “Hamilton Dominion Christian Centre charitable status yanked”
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Perhaps someone ought to email this to “Dr.” McVety via one of the many charities that all seem to end up at his home….
Just sayin’…
I agree that it’s unfortunate for the people who’ve been caught up in this and swindled, but perhaps this can pave the way for an audit and removal of charitable tax status of other churches in Canada…
Imagine an audit of the Catholic church for example.
ar arr arr!
Most church audits come up clean, on the Protestant side of the isle, denominational accountability helps.
I’d like to see more done for some of the more agregious and ostentatious independents whose leaders think they can abuse and fleece congregants and answer to no one while they line their pockets and bank accounts.
Charles McVety and his buddies in his EA organization would a be a good start Mike.:^)
…The Prayer Palace, (their audit was private if I remember correctly) Rock Churches, Victory, Global Harvest and some para-church organizations and teleministries.
I don’t know whether an audit would put the fear of God into some of these guys.
The public shame of abusing a charity licence probably isn’t going to stop some either.
I was going to do a blog post on this, but you say it better than I do. Now only if the feds would go after The Miracle Channel …
Robert – This gives me hope indeed that The Miracle Channel may indeed face it’s own day of accountability to Revenue Canada! Perhaps the beginning of the end is near. Lets hope so.
Tim worked hard over at his site, The Miracle Channel Review, filing complaints with the CRTC, knowing the media business, keeping people informed – he did well.
I hope enough people get to know and understand abuses and what agencies to file complaints with.
Market forces may help take some of these guys off the air.
I love that church… I have never experienced such amazing people in my life.
all that is being said are lies.
well thats how satan works… pretty sad
Andrew:
Who is lying?
How do you know what is being said are lies?
about auditing the DOCTORS” church
mike
Its to bad must people aren’t bright enough to realize you can’t live off media reports to know whats really going on. Blogs like this one are not liable like newspapers and TV shows nor do you have to have any facts, just repeat what ever is said. We do we think the CRA would release a media report on a charity/ church of 60 people with income of under $200,000 and a building operations cost of almost half of that. They have stripped far larger and more successful churches then this one and never released a media statement. Smells more like politics than Charity. By the way none of what they said was true, that church was audited by payroll CRA and the church never paid for anything Charity CRA said, they just don’t work togather. Now laywers will have to help CRA charity and CRA payroll get on the same page.
Simon:
You’ve lost me. If you want Dr. Brun Del Re’s church audited go to the church, ask to see financial statements and if you aren’t satisfied then file a complaint with Revenue Canada.
You are free to look up any church tax return online. If you are not satisfied you can phone, fax, email, question and file your complaint.
Peter:
It is your church.
You are free to release whatever you want.
You’ve done so here, I’ll move it up into the post. I’ve also added The Star article expanding your react.
What isn’t being said that you think needs to be said?
What is the difference between payroll CRA and your charity status CRA?
I don’t understand – this is about tax law compliance.
The Dominion Christian Centre had charity status, doesn’t payroll fall under that privilege?
Are you saying you didn’t go through an audit and didn’t have two years to get on the same page?
Will you explain how you see this as political?
If Rev Can has erred,very charity in Canada (there are 84 thousand) which has it’s status revoked has the right to file a notice of objection.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/prgrms_srvcs/dsgr/chrts-eng.html
If this is a paperwork/communication snafu, why did you submit your board resignation?
Every charity that is annulled or revoked, suspended or penalized is published on the RCA site and The Canada Gazette.
Revocation takes effect when the decision is publicly published.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/chrts/whtsnw/menu-eng.html
Press releases are common for public foundations, private foundations and charities under the directorate when decisions have been made.
You and every other Canadian is invited by The Minister of National Revenue who has set aside 3 million dollars to submit proposals to help charities with training around compliance issues.
What have I said that is libelous Peter?
I take accusations of libel very seriously, blogs are subject to every law media is.
We need to deal with your concern.
Point out where you’ve been libelled here at BDBO please – I’ll apologize and correct promptly.
It alludes to a core issue about the twisted teaching and emotional strangehold that the D.C.C use to control their members.
Someone feeling “higher or above” others feels they are entitled to whatever behaviour they feel valid at the time.
It’s no problem spending other people money when they fear you.
Rigo is doing way more things than we know about.
I hope someone stops him soon.
I can’t believe this guy can use faith to control people and live freely without concern,he’s a monster.
I know logic can’t be used with this guy,nor could advice from right thinking members in Christian leadership.
Basically he’s sick and needs help.The church members also need deprogramming afterwards to.
He encourages people to leave good families relationships
(many of whom are with people who know and love the Lord)
to become part of his little clique of young excitable sheep.
There is no wisdom in Peter Rigo.He is working for the enemy.
So then Jason, you’ve been to DCC and seen this for yourself.
For the uninformed and quick to make judgements which seems to be just about everyone on this blog:
There is a vast difference between The Charities Directorate who does auditing and those in the Government who handle payroll. They are not one and the same but two very separate entities, just as those who handle GST are also a separate entity. Yes they fall under the same overall banner of “government” but they do not communicate well with each other. All of the accusations regarding monies mismanaged could be cleared up if they would all sit down together. However sitting down together is not the agenda the government nor those chomping like rabid pitbulls have in mind here.
I’ve been involved in other churches/charities that have gone through this auditing process as the person actually representing the church/charity. I’ve seen how this process works firsthand and while the Charities Directorate that does the audit “can” be fair, the lack of communication when a discrepancy is noted between the two different divisions is horrendous and difficult for a non legal type to deal with.
I have seen how an auditor inflamed by an agenda will bypass even a reasonable explanation.
DCC could easily beat this revocation but the legal costs would be in the 200k range to secure a law firm that actually knew how to handle the government.
My suggestion to everyone here is that you treat this situation like Gamaliel, who cautioned those in the Council, He advised in Acts 5:33-39 “…And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; “but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it-lest you even be found to fight against God.”
My professional advice would be for every church to come out from under the control of governments and simply pay the taxes. I know that will shut some down, but that might not be a bad thing either. I know they wouldn’t be able to give receipts anymore but I guess at that point you will find out the motivation behind peoples giving, whether it is unto God or man.
At the end of the day those who set themselves up as judges in the Christian Family need to walk very carefully for with the same measure you use it will be used back to you. Only in the end, the Real unbiased, completely in the know Judge of the universe is the one we will all give account to.
Benediction, while there may be some “measures” of truth to what you are saying the only real person you are damaging is yourself.
I’m not saying that DCC is right or wrong but what I am saying is that it’s a shame on us that we inflame and incite anger and hatred toward someone without really knowing the whole truth. Let God be the Judge.
We the church have been equipped for every good work, and that includes people such as yourself who help those with charity status navigate the paperwork.
That’s what denominations are also for, if a local body doesn’t have a qualified person, there are others available.
And that goes for the appeal process, there are legal people available in denominations and para-church organizations.
I agree the government doesn’t communicate well, and I agree that the stress of a small church facing a government employee who isn’t helpful is difficult.
That is one of the reasons why there is an appeal process, the recognition an imperfect system is run by imperfect people.
If Dominion has to fork out 2 hundred thousand for legal fees, they are being taken. The CRA laid out it’s position and gave the church a year to abide by the same compliance all 84 thousand charities in Canada do.
You’ve helped others, if you feel Dominion has been treated unfairly you and anyone else with the financial skills can step forward.
Churches are not a pastoral piggy bank. Abuse happens. Mistakes happen. If Dominion wins it’s status back and it’s books are in order, I’ll post that.
Peter is free to speak here and has. He’s also been linked.
Bene,
Being part of a denomination will not keep you safe from failing an audit with Revenue Canada. The appeal process is not only lengthy but it is costly. You can’t self-represent in court so you do need a lawyer that knows the ins and outs of charitable law as well as income tax law. That is costly. Being part of a denomination does not mean that they will pay the bill for you. You need to research the appeal process, the cost and the time it takes to deal with a government agency before making it seem so easy to the unsuspecting public.
Revenue Canada is not pro-church, it has nothing to do with with whether you’re a part of a denomination or are independent and if you think so, you need to wake up and smell the secular, humanist, post-liberal age we’re living in. The CRA has been saying for some time that it wishes to remove “the advancement of religion” as a legitimate charitable purpose. Once that happens, churches (denominations and independents alike) will no longer qualify as charities able to issue tax receipts.
In the last few decades, Christianity has become increasingly marginalized in our society. There is a movement that already begun the process to have the “pursuit of religion” removed from the “service to the community”. Churches would then become something that is simply about a private relationship with God, which is it but that’s not all it is. What good is our walk with God if we can’t show it in tangible way?
Revenue Canada has hired an extra 1,200 – 1,500 auditors for it’s charity division so that over the next 3 years every single charity and church in Canada is put through a full audit. With all I’ve been reading about their new agenda… I hope your church fairs well.
Whatever happens, and even if mistakes were made, it is likely that DCC has provided a greater public service than the CRA ever will.
And as for the CRA, it was reported on February 9th, 2009 that the CRA issued $3 million in paycheque to almost 2000 people no longer on the government payroll. This practice of paying former employees has been happening since 1999. You might think a tax agency with a record of sloppy accounting would be more charitable with their audits of religious institutions. Think again.
Shash:
“Revenue Canada has hired an extra 1,200 – 1,500 auditors for it’s charity division so that over the next 3 years every single charity and church in Canada is put through a full audit. With all I’ve been reading about their new agenda… I hope your church fairs well.”
Don’t you think it’s about time? With 84 thousand registered charities in Canada, and enough regulations to choke a horse, isn’t it about time the Charity Division got it’s act together?
Society is fluid, not static.
Even with grace periods of a year, even with denominational backing, enough money to hire lawyers etc. there are always going to be people taking advantage of loopholes and inattention.
Hey Bene
It seems that you are misinformed as to what a denomination actually does for a local church body.
It also seems that you, like most others, are willing to accuse another believer (whether they worship the way you do or not or are or are not part of your denomination is irrelevant) of mishandling funds for personal gain. The reality is that “you don’t know” enough of the details to be making the kind of judgements you are.
You are ready to believe a corrupt, liberal, humanistic, secular government and media like they have spoken absolute truth – without going to the source yourself. The responsibility to get the truth is on your plate before you make any comments. You should not expect them to come and defend themselves on this blog. And if they don’t you are using that against them like “they must be guilty” because they haven’t played your tune.
I have friends who work in the Charities Directorate and it’s interesting to note that the Supervisor in charge of this particular case is another “christian” who attends Bruxey’s church who is bound to shut them down because “he believes ” they are a cult.
Seems like you are ready to quote everything the government says as gospel but not willing to extend “any” benefit of the doubt towards this church. In your own words you have said that the church is “not a pastoral piggy bank”.
Have you actually gone to DCC and genuinely inquired about the details? Of course the answer is no.
I’m amazed that you seem to be ready to skewer them like you have in this blog based solely on what the CD and media has reported.
What exactly are you using as your standard of truth in your judgement of this matter?
If you want, I can go point by point (that is if you use the Bible as your guide) on exactly how we should Biblically handle these types of situations. Just a hint… using social media as our place to vomit our opinions regarding another believer is not it.
I’m not saying DCC is right or wrong but I am saying that the way you have handled this on this blog is not inline with Scripture in any way, shape or form.
You think you are doing society a justice by reporting these half truths that come to us from hearsay and government reports about other believers but you are actually doing more damage in the end.
In DCC’s case as in many others there is always more than meets the eye.
Forget about DCC or any other organization – you are the one who is walking on your own dangerous ground.
Jimmy:
Peter Rigo said what he wanted to say just above your comment – he is not being censored.
Okay you’ve lost me. What does Bruxey’s church (?) and a government employee attendee have to do with The Dominion Christian Centre…
So I tell you that you are completely missing the Biblical pattern of dealing with these type of things whether they be DCC or Joel Osteen and all you have to say is what does the CD employee that attends another church have to do with it? He has nothing to do with it other than he like you is another misdirected confessing follower of Christ who is being led by the nose. You’d rather believe a media and government report which “of course” is “completely unbiased” than you would follow the Biblical pattern set out in Matthew.
The point is, your self appointed judge and jury arrogance on this entire blog is causing more damage than it is good!
You are wasting your life on this entire blog! Surely you could take your talents and find something to do in the Body of Christ that will actually make a difference in reaching this world and not give reason for this world to laugh at believers even more.
I would encourage you to go to your local church leaders and ask them if this is the appropriate Biblical way of dealing with these matters.
But of course, you’ve probably never submitted your life in an accountable way to your local Church leaders which is why it’s so easy for you to sit on your computer and demand accountability from everyone else.
It’s funny how it’s always the pot calling the kettle black.
Mat 18 doesn’t apply to every situation with conflict.
It is true that people should work out differences in private if possible. However when that fails other people come in to the situation as advocates. If that fails then leaders should be publicly rebuked. 1Tim 5:19.
You brought up Bruxey (?). How that church and it’s leadership chooses to deal with an unhappy parishioner who works for a government agency which may affect them organizationally is thier choice. It is also the choice of the government department to recuse this unhappy supervisor if he/she has personal involvement.
Many churches and church leadership are trained to handle conflict well.
The Dominion Christian Centre came under financial scrutiny. They were given the obigatory year to comply to financial issues that were flagged, and could accept advocacy if they chose to.
When an organization is tax-exempt the records are public.
If you’re unhappy with that societal decision, say so.
The Charity Directorate is absolutely capable of making mistakes, having agendas; it’s a government department people work for.
Bit niave to believe otherwise.
As a structure it has checks and balances so internal abuse is given address. Depending on the parties involved in dispute or conflict, that address may or may not work out, systems (church/government) are far from perfect.
I don’t see anyone disagreeing a story is deeper than a blog post.
If Dominion Christian Centre is Christ-called, a tax-exempt revocation is not going to hinder or destroy their work or calling. Why would you place so much power in a government department and so little in God?
Do you know how many churches receive revocation notices yearly in Canada?
can you say “jim jones” or “jonestown”?
does rigor have koolaid in his cupboard?
with any luck some pissed parent will deal with him in an alley some night!
hes a manipulative loser with a corrupt personal agenda.
I think if you need $200,000 in legal advice there is something rotten in the state of Denmark. I complied with my audit and there were no legal fees and no charges, do you know why???? I kept clean records.
Living on the backs of young fragile minds makes you one of the most despicable people alive and I have to agree somewhat with Rock.
Is there a fund for the legal fees of Brun Del’s, although I disagree with what they have done, I understand losing a daughter and understand their desperation, I would contribute in a heartbeat.
Ginny:
The Canadian Council of Christian Charities, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada anda few other organizations have the resources and people to help any church or non-profit which isn’t sure how things work, risk management etc.
As well there is plenty of free legal information available for churches, non-profits, volunteer groups
The 200 thousand dollar figure doesn’t make sense.
Was this on TV somewhere recently again? There are a few newer comments.
I went looking and didn’t see a legal fund for the Brun Del family, if one is needed and established I’ll post it.
It’s important people understand that The Dominion Centre did not press the charges against the father and son or the lawyer friend and his wife.
The links to The Dominion Centre are gone, is the group still meeting?
First, I would like to say that anyone without sin cast the first stone. People that don’t understand others or there teachings have a tendency to criticize others. I happen to know the Rigo’s and grew up with them around my life. Peter is a very talented and gifted man of God and Peggy is one of the most sweetest women I know. I recently spoke to Peter about the negative things that are being spoken about him and his church. My assessment is that this is a church that believes in the truth being taught, truth can only be taught if the Holy Spirit is present in ones life. I truly believe that the Holy Spirit is living in and directing Pastor Rigo. To many people have been caught in a vicious cycle of religion, Christ commanded us the church ( believers to reach out to those who have been rejected and cast out ) Our young generation is lost because of the typical teachings of the church, our world is in desperate need of a man that can stand before people with blemishes and sin and say he is not perfect. What would you rather have , a Pastor that appears to have it all together or a Pastor that can reveal his true self and acknowledge that our society is going to Hell in a hand basket and that change is the only thing that is going make a difference. We all have our own questions and doubts about churches we may attend. we all scream our churches need to change, but when there is a person willing to take a step of faith and put it all on the line, we reject and want to destroy the good in what God is trying to do. Be careful about judging as judgment will reign down on you.