Graham agrees to cut in pay

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Story from the Charlotte Observer:

Concerns about his rising financial compensation during tough economic times have prompted evangelist Franklin Graham to temporarily give up future contributions to his retirement plans at the two charities he leads.

As president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, he receives two full-time salaries and two retirement packages. Last year his total compensation from the two Christian ministries was $1.2million.

The size of Graham’s total 2008 compensation — $535,000 from Samaritan’s Purse and $669,000 from Charlotte-based BGEA — drew questions from nonprofit experts interviewed by The Charlotte Observer. They doubted that one person — even the energetic, globe-trotting Graham — can do two full-time jobs leading organizations that employ hundreds and spend hundreds of millions around the world.