This week in Christian history: Bakker fraud trial begins, Louis IX dies and massacre in Orissa

Jim Bakker fraud trial begins – Aug. 28, 1989

This week marks the anniversary of when the trial for notable 1980s televangelist Jim Bakker began, with the popular preacher facing 24 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy.

In an article by Art Harris of The Washington Post from the time, at primary issue was the $158 million Bakker and his wife raised between 1984-1987, which was supposed to go directly to their Praise The Lord ministries.

“This case is about cheating people out of their money, tricking people out of their money," stated Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Miller during the opening arguments for the trial, as quoted by The Washington Post.

“The motive was dollars … The motive was opulence. The motive was an extravagant lifestyle you won't be able to identify with.”

Less than two months later, Bakker was found guilty and initially sentenced to 45 years in prison, although it was lowered to eight years and he was released even sooner, in 1994.