Free Republic

Jan Crouch, who has died aged 78, co-founded, with her husband Paul, the Trinity Broadcast Network, the world’s largest Christian broadcasting empire. The Crouches founded TBN in 1973. Based on the “Prosperity Gospel” – the promise that if people make sacrifices (and donations) God will reward them with material wealth – it beams Christian-inspired programming to every continent but Antarctica, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

(CNN)Jan Crouch, a co-founder of Trinity Broadcasting Network and popular televangelist, has died following a stroke, her son announced Tuesday via a posting on his and his wife's website. She was 78.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — For 39 years, the Trinity Broadcasting Network has urged viewers to give generously and reap the Lord’s bounty in return. The prosperity gospel preached by Paul and Janice Crouch, who built a single station into the world’s largest Christian television network, has worked out well for them. Mr. and Mrs. Crouch have his-and-her mansions one street apart in a gated community here, provided by the network using viewer donations and tax-free earnings. But Mrs. Crouch, 74, rarely sleeps in the $5.6 million house with tennis court and pool. She mostly lives in a large company house...