The Nation - News from Sept. 28, 1987

The Rev. Jerry Falwell’s decision to step down as chairman of the bankrupt PTL ministry was motivated largely by financial concerns, Falwell aides said. “He said from the start his priority was still the Lynchburg (Va.) ministries and he would not allow the Lynchburg ministries to suffer as a result of his being involved in PTL,” said Falwell aide Mark Demoss, pointing to financial troubles at the “Old Time Gospel Hour,” Falwell’s television show broadcast from Thomas Road Baptist Church. Falwell said last week he hoped to resign the PTL chairmanship he assumed last March, after Jim Bakker resigned over disclosure of his sexual relationship with Jessica Hahn, church secretary, as early as Jan. 1, or as soon as a suitable replacement could be found.