Creflo Dollar cancels multi-million dollar fundraiser for new private jet
Megachurch pastor Creflo Dollar recently cancelled a $60 million fundraiser after a strong backlash online.
The Atlanta pastor intended to buy a Gulfstream 650 private jet, but was blasted on social media and blog sites because of the exorbitant price tag.
Dollar's publicist, Juda Engelmayer of 5W Public Relations, confirmed that "there is no campaign right now" in an interview with the Christian Post on Monday.
"He's gonna continue travelling commercial," Engelmayer said. "And if and when he obtains another jet it's gonna be used for ministry purposes, just like the current one."
Dollar's current jet is a Gulfstream Aerospace G-1159A that suffered airframe damage in an accident four months ago. Engelmayer did not rule out the possibility of Creflo Dollar Ministries buying a new plane in the future, saying, "If one comes along that is properly priced and is sufficient and workable perhaps, but right now there is nothing that they are looking at."
The publicist said he "didn't know" what a "properly priced" jet would cost.
"There is no campaign," Engelmayer continued. "It's a moot point. The ministry will now focus on spreading the Gospel."
A promotional video for the G650 campaign was taken down on Friday, and a webpage featuring a prayer for the jet and links to donate to the campaign were also removed.
The prayer read, in part: "Heavenly Father, as the righteousness of God by faith we come boldly, confidently, and fearlessly to Your throne of great grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us obtain this Gulfstream G650.
"This G650will serve as a ministry tool for Pastor Creflo Dollar to carry the Good News—too good to be true—revelation of Your love and grace around the world."