2 Polish Catholic Charities Being Investigated for Misappropriating Money

Justice Minister Zbigniew Cwiakalski announced yesterday that investigations into tax filings by director of the ultra-conservative Catholic radio station Radio Maryja, Father Tadeusz Rydzyk, for his two charity organizations are underway.

Two foundations run by Rydzyk, Lux Veritatis and Nasza Przyszlosc, have been allegedly violating the law and not giving money for their declared charitable causes, but rather for personal interests. According to Puls Biznesu, the two charities have, throughout the past few years of questionable activity, have earned about 7 billion zloty (1.9 billion euro) and not paid any taxes on the profits.

“This is breaking of tax codes and not paying the taxes for which the organizations are liable. It’s necessary to clear that up before justice is served,” claimed the Justice Minister. The details of the case are still unknown as the tax paperwork and investigation process is just getting underway.

The Lux Veritatis Foundation was registered by members of the Redemptorist Order – Jan Krol, Stanislaw Kwiatowski and Tadeusz Rydzyk, who is the head and main founder. The goal of the organization is to promote moral rules in society based on the 10 Commandments, nurturing Polish culture according to Christian guidelines, and integrating science, education and journalism with Christian values.

The Nasza Przyslosc Foundation similarly is meant to promote Christian values and to integrate them into educational and cultural traditions. The foundation runs a publishing house which has, to date, published 88 books about religion and humanism.

SS